PDF - Mid-Ohio District Nurses Association

Professionally
SPEAKING
MODNA REFERENCE PROPOSAL
Reference Proposals are submitted by members and districts
and are meant to guide the Ohio Nurses Association’s (ONA)
work for the next 2 years. The proposals must focus on a certain topic or issue that also aligns with ONA’s strategic plan,
mission, vision and goals.
All submitted proposals are reviewed by a Reference Committee and discussed during pre-Convention hearings held via webinars. The Reference Committee then makes changes to proposals based on the results of the pre-Convention webinars.
During our upcoming conventions, the Reference Committee
Chair will introduce each proposal during the House of Delegates session(s) at Convention, allowing the delegates to further discuss the proposals, make motions to change the proposals and then vote on each proposal.
The Mid-Ohio District Board of Directors submitted a reference proposal titled Nurse Appointment to Boards of Directors
(page 8) as we very much believe that “without a nurse trustee,
boards lack an authority on the patient experience, quality, and
safety, and the largest part of the hospital workforce” (Huff,
2014).
September/October 2015 | Volume 57, Number 5
in this issue:
modna reference proposal..................... 1,8
OSUNO GIVES BACK....................................... 3
ana membership assembly........................5,7
Perspective................................................ 6
CARE. THINK. ACT. MAKE A DIFFERENCE............11
WHEN NURSES SPEAK................................... 12
committee members needed...................... 14
departments:
president’s message.................................. 2
calendar of events................................... 12
Mid-Ohio District
Nurses Assocation
1
PROFESSIONALLY SPEAKING
The mission of Professionally Speaking is
to inform the members of the Mid-Ohio District
Nurses Association about the work and events
of the District; to motivate members to take an
active stance on nursing issues; and to reflect
the professional goals of our district, state and
national nurses organizations.
Information reported or advertised in
Professionally Speaking does not necessarily
imply endorsement by the Association.
For advertising information call
(614) 326-1630 or FAX (614) 326-1633.
Professionally Speaking is the official publication of the Mid-Ohio District Nurses Association. Published six times per year by MODNA,
1520 Old Henderson Rd, Suite 100, Columbus,
Ohio 43220. Circulation approximately 3,000.
Non-profit third-class postage paid in
Columbus.
Letters to the Editor are welcome. The
editorial staff reserves the right to edit article
submissions for clarity and length. Deadlines
falling on a holiday or weekend will be extended to the next business day. The deadlines for
submissions are 5 PM:
JAN/FEB December 5
MAR/APR January 20
MAY/JUN March 20
JUL/AUG May 20
SEP/OCT July 20
NOV/DEC September 20
Subscriptions are free to members as a
benefit of membership. Non-member registered nurses may obtain a subscription for $18
per year.
You may contact MODNA by e-mail:
modna@modna.org or visit the MODNA webpage at:www.modna.org
MODNA BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2015-2017
President
Barb Welch
1st VP
David Shields
2nd VP
Jeanette Simon
Secretary
Barbara Bradley
Treasurer
Christine Frank-Scott
Directors
Taryn Hill
Ferlinda Powers
Therese Snively
Michelle Rubertino
Sherri Southworth
Debbie Coleman
Jeanette Chambers
Kim Ebright
Executive Director
Editor Terry Pope
Office Coordinator
Shirley Funt
President’s
message
Barb Welch, president
Hope everyone had a great summer and they’re
ready to start the new school year. In this edition
I would like to talk about High Alert Drugs. The
definitions of High-Alert Medications are drugs that
bear a heightened risk of causing significant patient
harm when used in error. Although mistakes may
or may not be more common with these drugs, the
consequences of an error are clearly more devastating to patients.
When a nurse is handling a high-alert medication
this should heighten awareness to the consequences that could occur
if the medication is not handled properly. All medications should be
handled with “kid gloves” but high alert medications have consequences
that are more devastating to patients.
All facilities should have a process in place that is standardized throughout the hospitals. Standardization helps with achieving an optimum degree of order or uniformity in a given context, discipline, or field. Some
of the strategic ways to standardize the use of High Risk Medications
are to improve access to information about these drugs; limiting access
to high-alert medications; using auxiliary labels to scan in medications;
use automated alerts; standardizing the ordering, storage, preparation,
administration and discontinuation of these medications; and an automated or independent double checks.
Just a reminder, the Ohio Nurses Association Biannual Convention is October 9-11 at the Hilton Polaris in Columbus. This year’s theme is Nurses
Charting the Course of Health Care. If you are attending the convention
get ready to participate in The House of Delegates where we will take
positions on issues, determine policy, and set direction on substantive
issues requiring the authority and backing of the official voting body of
ONA. The House of Delegates will also maintain and adopt bylaws and
elect members of the Board of Directors, the Nominating Committee,
and the Commission on Economic and General Welfare.
Other events that the delegates will participate in at convention are continuing education, exhibitors that promote products and services of interest to ONA members, a silent auction to raise money for ONA’s Political Contributing Entity and an awards ceremony to honor ONA members
that have made significant contributions to nursing. Hope to see you
there!!
2 | September/October 2015 | Mid Ohio District Nurses Association
OSUNO GIVES BACK
As nurses, we give to our patients. We care for our peers. We help the physicians (can anyone say “July”??). An
idea was born at a board meeting for the Ohio State University Nurses Organization (OSUNO) to give back to our
community. Many ideas were tossed around but we decided to host a 5K in the summer of 2015. OK, great! Now
what? What do we support with the proceeds? What cause should we embrace?
We learned that Nationwide Children’s Hospital was in need of toys for their Toy Program. This valuable care
component provides toys on the units for the children to play with during their stay. Children coming in for Outpatient Surgery get a toy while waiting for anesthesia. If a child experiences a birthday while hospitalized, they
receive a gift. I learned firsthand about children receiving a toy through the ER. My son, now almost 6, experienced a seizure with loss of consciousness Dec 26, 2011. I will never forget those frantic moments of CPR, 911
and a trip up 71 in a squad. Jake was worked up for everything – scans, lumbar punctures, IVs and blood draws.
This was a challenge for all of us. I was torn between a being a mom and being a nurse. At some point, someone
brought Jake a blanket and a toy truck. In that moment, I could be a mom with my son as he played with a new
toy and smiled. That smile was priceless. That toy was responsible for letting us find “normal” in a scary time. He
is OK and still sleeps with that blanket.
This was a cause we could get behind at OSUNO.
On July 25, 2015, we at OSUNO hosted our 1st Annual “Christmas in July 5K, Kid Dash and Toy Drive”. It was a
success! We donated over $2500 to nationwide Children’s Hospital along with a minivan full of toys!! We had
130 registrants- which is not too shabby for a 1st time event.
As well as the 5K, one of our units (11WD) conducted health screenings for ONA’s Million Hearts program. 37
people took advantage of the assessments and was a wonderful way to introduce new people to OSU.
Overall, the day was a wonderful, fun-filled time of healthy habits, toys and holiday costumes. Plans are being
made for next year – so set aside your Santa hat and jingle bells for next summer!
Jessie Frymyer, OSUNO President
3
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ELECTION RESULTS
Please welcome the following members who have been elected to office!
Each of the elected members’ terms begins in September 2015 and runs
through August 2017.
2nd Vice President:
Secretary:
Board of Directors:
Nominations Cmte:
Jeanette Simon
Barbara Bradley
Taryn Hill
Ferlinda Powers
Michelle Rubertino
Therese Snively
Melissa Waugh-Pannell
Sharon Parker
4 | September/October 2015 | Mid Ohio District Nurses Association
Thank
you for
serving!
2015 ANA MEMBERSHIP ASSEMBLY
The American Nurses Association Membership Assembly was held July 23-25, 2015 in Washington DC. Ohio
sent two delegates and eleven observers to the assembly. MODNA was fortunate to have 4 members participating: Paula Anderson, Delegate; and Observers Deb Arms, Sally Morgan, Deb Martz, and Terry Pope. During
the Membership Assembly three different dialogue forums were held. Each forum allowed both delegates and
observers to participate in determining the direction ANA should take with each dialogue forum.
Dialogue Forum #1: Fostering an Ethical Environment and Culture (submitted by Florida Nurses Association).
Issue Summary: Society recognizes that it has special health needs that must be met and so it authorizes nurses
and other health professionals to address this need. ANA’s Code of Ethics for Nurses with Interpretative Statements (2015) reflects the nursing profession’s ethical values and obligations, is a non-negotiable ethical standard, and serves as an expression of nursing’s commitment to society. Action is needed to strengthen ethical
practice in healthcare and to provide guidelines for strategies that will build positive moral climates that promote ethical practice.
Recommendations for ANA:
1. Promote knowledge and application of the Code in a systematic and comprehensive way within nursing education programs and professional development.
2. Advance its role as the premier organization for fostering ethics with the nursing profession by infusing ethical
content into ANA’s core programmatic work.
3. Identify and promote best practices for ethical issue management to improve the ethical environment/culture.
Dialogue Forum #2: Infection Prevention and Control Issues in the United States (submitted by the Indiana and
Minnesota State Nursing Associations)
Issue Summary: Increased globalization has resulted in a real and ongoing threat of the spread of existing and
emerging infectious diseases. Current issues range from the recent alarming Ebola Virus Disease outbreak
in West Africa to our ongoing issues in reducing and eliminating Healthcare Associated Infections here in the
United States. Despite all that we know, effective infection prevention and control practices, both individual and
organizational, are not consistently employed in health care settings. This presents a significant opportunity to
identify and eliminate barriers to best infection control practices.
Recommendations for ANA:
1. Engage with external and internal stakeholders to provide ongoing and ‘just in time’ education about infection
control and prevention and disaster responses.
2. Support Constituent/State Nurses Association efforts to communicate, both internally and externally, during
crisis situations.
3. Identify and disseminate innovative strategies to engage nurses in broad infection protection and disaster
preparedness activities.
Dialogue Forum #3: Public Reporting: Advancing Patient Safety and Quality Care (submitted by ANA staff).
Issue Summary: Accountability includes transparent public reporting and pay for quality measurement in a
transformed pay for quality environment. Public reporting of quality measures for consumers and others to
make healthcare decisions is one of the effective quality levers identified in the National Quality Strategy (NQS)
to achieve the tri-part aims: 1) better care, 2) more affordable care, and a 3) healthier nation. Nurses are on
the front line and essential to quality outcomes. The future in healthcare is all about quality and value. Consumers, purchasers, and other stakeholders use quality data to make healthcare decisions.
ana mEMBERSHIP aSSEMBLY - Continued ON page 7
5
PERSPECTIVES
In the May 2015 edition of The American Nurse, Pamela Cipriano, President of the American Nurses Association urged nurses to “Seize every opportunity to tell the public who
we are.” She encouraged sharing our expertise and stories to help others understand the
many ways we impact their lives. Serving on a board provides nurses with this opportunity. One advantage for nurses on board positions is nursing’s identification as the most
respected profession in our country. When others learn that we are a nurse, they talk
about nurses they know and share their stories about how we have made a difference in
their lives. This sets the stage for positive relationships and opens the door for us to begin
to tell our stories.
By Debbie Coleman
The skills we have developed - organizational, assessment, planning, evaluation, and a
systems perspective - are applicable in the board room. We don’t have to think like the
CEO of a fortune 500 company when we have the nursing process to bring to the table!
In one experience, I was a on the board of a newly formed non-profit organization. I was the only health care
professional and this felt different from being on work groups of health care colleagues. Initially I wasn’t sure
I was a good fit, because the major focus was on fundraising and securing corporate leadership. This changed
when teenage volunteers were being recruited to help clear a heavily wooded property that the organization
would be developing. The safety procedures consisted of a well-stocked first aid kit. I volunteered to tour the
property and share my findings. At the time I did not realize that this involved driving an ATV over the creek and
through the woods! This was a worthwhile adventure, because I was able to identify health threats and injury
risks: equipment such as chainsaws, ATV accidents and exposure to heat, bites, sun exposure, etc. I developed
safety procedures for volunteers addressing proper clothing and shoes, sun and heat protection and recommended a tetanus shot. First Aid measures began with notifying volunteers about what to wear and bring to the
site. An on-site safety outline was developed for all volunteers about equipment, accessing emergency services,
as well as ticks, poisonous plants and snakes.
On another board, I discovered that debt was owed to a current board member from a deficit incurred before
the agency was incorporated. Fundraising was insufficient to pay off that debt and support operational expenses. I decided not to continue with this board because of my concern about the fiduciary responsibilities. Going
forward I plan to know more about an organization’s health before I say “I do”.
I have enjoyed my board experiences and encourage other nurses to pursue this opportunity. If you are just
beginning, you might seek out a mentor to support you. I find it helpful to reach out to a former board member
and ask for their advice and insights.
You might find a perk like being able to cross off driving an ATV through overgrown hills with large drop-of areas
from your bucket list!
6 | September/October 2015 | Mid Ohio District Nurses Association
ana mEMBERSHIP aSSEMBLY - Continued from page 5
Healthcare systems and the government are harnessing big data to drive major advancements in healthcare
quality and reduce excessive cost., Nursing information is not always captured in ways that make it shareable
and comparable – essential for ‘big data’ research and, ultimately, for improving care. Data collected in giant
warehouses by healthcare systems are only as good as the input. The capture of reliable and valid data via
rigorous nursing sensitive measures for performance improvement and public reporting is essential to improve
patient outcomes and demonstrate the value of nurses.
Recommendations for ANA:
Advance quality measures and data policy to:
1. Include measures that capture nursing care in national public reporting efforts.
2. Analyze structured nursing data in data sets for use across care settings to improve quality/outcomes.
3. Educate consumers and nurses regarding the value and use of quality data for informed decision-making.
ANA Reference Committee Report, 2015.
7
MODNA REFERENCE PROPOSAL
SUBMITTED BY
Mid-Ohio District Nurses Association Board of Directors (Jeanette K. Chambers, Debbie Napier, and Terry Pope)
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S)
- ONA will survey nurses about volunteer activities and board membership once per year.
- ONA will educate members about appointment possibilities within existing and/or other areas of clinical or
functional expertise
- ONA will promote individual appointment of nurses as voting board members
- ONA will collaborate with governmental, for-profit and non-profit entities to identify opportunities for nurse
board membership
ONA STRATEGIC PLAN
Goal: ONA’s expertise will be sought by non-profit, for-profit and government entities serving or advocating for
the health of patients, clients, and consumers.
Vision: The Ohio Nurses Association is the recognized leader and advocate for professional nursing in Ohio.
Mission: To advance professional nursing in Ohio by:
•
Evolving Evidence-Based Practice
•
Influencing Legislators
•
Promoting Education
•
Advocating for Quality Health Care in a Cost Effective and Economically Stimulating Manner
Strategy: Expand influence of ONA member expertise through increased nurse representation on healthcarerelated boards of directors
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The American Nurses Association (ANA), the American Academy of Nursing (AAN), and the American Nurses
Foundation (ANF), the charitable and philanthropic arm of ANA, are founding members of the Nurses on Boards
Coalition, a group of national nursing organizations working together to increase nurses’ presence on corporate
and non-profit health-related boards of directors throughout the country (The American Nurse, 2014, November/December).
The Institute of Medicine (2010) recommends nurse involvement for efforts seeking to improve health in Americans. Nurses in every practice setting use knowledge, skills and experience to advance evidence-based scientific
findings to promote health and dignity for those in their care. Relationships with individuals from a diversity of
backgrounds are formed through respect, trust, ethical considerations and listening skills. These nurse characteristics are recognizable and transferable assets for board membership.
A $150K grant to the ANF was received to increase nurse representation on boards of directors (The American
Nurse, 2015, January/February). Opportunities are available to nurse members of collaborative and member
organizations to achieve initiative goals.
RATIONALE
A. Need for Proposal
A data source about nurse member and non-member board membership does not exist within the Ohio Nurses
Association. An informal inquiry (2015) to ONA reported only five individual nurses as board of director mem8 | September/October 2015 | Mid Ohio District Nurses Association
bers (non-ONA or DNAs). However, anecdotal evidence through nurse-to-nurse communications indicates that
nurses volunteer and hold leadership responsibilities as board members, officers, chairs or members of commissions, committees and councils in a variety of settings. The lack of a centralized database for storage and
retrieval of information of this important resource significantly limits the outreach and potential for additional
appointments and influence. We do not know what nurse members are doing to promote the quality and safety
in their communities of influence.
Whether related to school, church, city/county, employment or a myriad of other related activities, nurses know
how to plan and operationalize what is needed to achieve a desired goal. Nurses anticipate, plan for and recognize unanticipated consequences. Use of the nursing process (assessment, diagnosis, outcomes/planning,
implementation, and evaluation requires critical thinking. Critical thinking is an essential and valued component
of members of boards of directors.
B. Historical Perspective
Florence Nightingale’s wisdom and perseverance influencing healthful healing and minimizing infectious disease
served as a force for positive changes in 19th century military and hospital care. The emergence of the National
Center for Nursing Research (1985) into the National Institute for Nursing Research (1993) represents just one of
many 20th century manifestations of nurse-led initiatives promoting societal health and well-being. Advanced
Practice Nurses as primary care providers is growing exponentially in the early 21st century. Through each of
these examples, and many others, nurses use their knowledge, experience and scientific evidence for the safety
and quality of those entrusted to their care and for the advancement of the discipline and profession of nursing.
Nurses have been ranked as the most ethical and trustworthy of the professions for the past 13 years (Gallup,
2015). “Americans have been asked to rate the honesty and ethics of various professions annually since 1990,
and periodically since 1976. Nurses have topped the list each year since they were first included in 1999, with the
exception of 2001 when firefighters were included in response to their work during and after the 9/11 attacks.”
With direct and meaningful patient/consumer interaction nurses are acknowledged to ‘own’ the patient experience. “Without a nurse trustee, boards lack an authority on the patient experience, quality and safety, and the
largest part of the hospital workforce (Huff, 2014).
EXPECTED OUTCOMES
A. Benefits
Increased self-awareness by nurses and recognition from others about the knowledge and leadership ability to
advocate and influence factors affecting the safety and quality for the patient/consumer health care experience.
Enhanced leadership capabilities within ONA and ONA district Nurses Associations.
Strengthened association succession planning by mentoring nurses to sustain and expand association leadership
for advocacy, practice and legislative influence.
POLITICAL IMPACT
ONA will be seen as a resource and leader in positioning nurses with diverse expertise as governance board
contributors.
SUGGESTED ACTIVITIES:
Inform nurses of resources for preparation for initial and on-going board leadership.
Sponsor several educational programs around Ohio to promote preparation of nurses for board appointment.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
To be determined by ONA staff (time, data collection and storage, communications, education, advocacy)
The cost of implementing reference proposals is incorporated into existing ONA and/or ONF work and initiatives;
reference proposal are not line items with the budget.
REFERENCE(S): Available upon request
9
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
Nurto Abdulla
Sammy Abukwiek
Susan Adkins
Marjorie Aidoo
Denise Baker
Alexia Balahtsis
Sheris Bell
Amber Beretich
Lauren Bergstrom
Nathalie Bernens
Erica Bishop
Laci Bloomfield
Ashley Brannan
Hayley Brooks
Elise Brown
Julilyn Brown
Marsha Brown
Teresa Brubaker
Ruby Bungabong
Michael Burke
Qizhi Cao
Johnna Cochran
Andrea Colabuno
Benjamin Colon
Katelyn Conrad
Sheri Costin
Carl Crews
Michelle Croker
Hannah Davidson
Melissa Davis
Alivia Deering
Hillary Delaney
Rachel Demeter
Rachel Dennis
Heather Densky
Elena DeTaranto
Brett Dinger
Jessica Dodds
Del Enderle
Kelvin Evelsizor
Stephanie Evenson
Christopher Figliano
Karissa Fincher
Betelhem Fitru
Christopher Foltz
Kate Friedman
Daniel Funk
Jessica Fusco
Rebecca Fyffe
Emily Gantz
Emily Garrett
Michelle Gettemy
Jenna Golias
Caitlin Grady
Stephanie Gravitt
Alexis Guay
Shaina Hammond
Erin Hecht
John Hickey
Daphne Higgins
Emily Ickes
Kara Jackson
Tina Jefferson
Alhagie Jobarteh
Angela Johnson
Corrine Johnson
Emily Kauffman
James Kelly
Erica Kennedy
Katherine Ketz
Alyssa Kmet
Karina Kurzhals
Lindsey Kusan
Joshua Lanzer
Katonya Lawson
Katherine Le
Grace Lee
Meghan Little
Vincent Lombardo
Tara Luth
Micheal Markham
Jamie Martinsek
Caitlin McCall
Ciara McClellan
Carolyn Miller
Holly Miller
Jacob Moening
Sara Moline
Wanda Monroe
Emily Mountain
Natalie Murray
Amanda Muth
Christa Newtz
Mary Nibert
Raejeanne Nutter
Janel Olberding
Festus Oppong
Luisa Oster
Mary Paige
Mallory Park
Rachel Petty
Collette Peugeot
Barbara Phillips
Katelyn Preininger
Eveleth Purugganan
Meghan Randolph
Rajal Rawal
Krysten Reed
Jena Ren
V. Rentel
Bruce Ribbans
Leah Richardson
Edith Rieber
Philip Rodgers
Kelly Rohrbach
Kyle Rosebrock
Sarah Ruha
Susan Schoepf
Grace Scott
Gabrielle Seeder
Megan Seybold
Tiannah Sheets
Shelley Shults
Marissa Smith
Carley Stedman
Sharon Stout-Shaffer
10 | September/October 2015 | Mid Ohio District Nurses Association
Katelyn Straube
Elizabeth Swinford
Paul Tedrick
Allison Thomas
Kersten Tilton
Amy Todhunter
Loveth Ubadineke
Jacquelyn Uselton
Matthew Vitartas
Kaitlyn Wagner
Robert Wanner
Anna Warnock
Sherri Watts
Christie Weaver
Kathy Weber
Elizabeth Weitzel
Jason Williams
Erica Winegardner
Amanda Wyrick
Jayne Zink
CARE. THINK. ACT. MAKE A DIFFERENCE.
Jeanette K. Chambers, PhD, RN, CTA
My interviews with MODNA colleagues validate the contributions made by nurses for thoughtful decision-making. A Reference Proposal submitted by the MODNA Board of Directors to promote appointment of qualified
nurses to boards of directors - governing or advisory, for-profit or non-profit – will be considered by delegates
at the ONA Convention in October. Education and preparation for these appointments is essential, as is a database of existing and potential nurse board appointees. Unlimited opportunities exist in MODNA for participatory
leadership and skill development! The following interviewee perspectives offer experience-based suggestions
for your planning and consideration.
Mary Ann Bradford Burnam, PhD, RN
Mary Ann was invited to join a retirement center board of directors by a nurse colleague. Having chaired a variety of nursing committees, and with experience on the
MODNA board of directors and academic groups, Mary Ann felt confident in nursing
and academic initiatives. Yet, as the only nurse, actually the only healthcare professional amid educators, lawyers and business executives, she easily acknowledged a
feeling of uncertainty.
Mary Ann used her past experiences with data analysis to review reports of patient/
resident care quality. Over time, she sought definitions for report terminology leading to consistency and
understanding. Mary Ann reflected that “…it seemed that the questions I asked had not been asked before.”
After asking some of the same questions at certain meetings, she felt she had earned acceptance when a fellow board member commented: “I’m glad you’re here.”
Mary Ann’s suggestions include:
• Ask about orientation, board and committee expectations
• Experience a variety of leadership and learning opportunities
• Find a mentor with board and corresponding committee experience to help with your own development
Carol Karrer, PhD, RN
Carol was asked if she would be interested in being on the local library board when another book club member announced retirement plans. Carol says she accepted the invitation
to join the Plain City Library Board of Trustees because she “…had a strong commitment
to the mission of the library board.”
Carol credits her experiences as President of the Ohio Student Nurses Association and as
delegate to the International Congress of Nurses in Australia (when Dorothy A. Cornelius
was President) as early career learnings that built her confidence for new opportunities.
Her thirteen years as a member of the Union County Board of Health, academic, clinical and MODNA leadership further contributed to her board preparation. Carol cites “…
achieving improved and more competitive salaries for the library director…” as a major
contribution.
Carol’s suggestions include:
• Be aware of significant board politics
• Know if you will receive payment for board service, or be expected to make financial contributions
• Understand board member responsibilities and avoid micromanagement
11
WHEN NURSES SPEAK
While attending the Ohio Board of Nursing’s Board meeting this past July I was able to witness first hand what
can happen when nurses speak up. Scheduled for discussion at this meeting was proposed rule OAC 47328-11 which relates to the assessment and treatment of concussions in school athletes. This proposed board
rule would require APRNs who deal with patients with possible concussions to obtain 2 contact hours of CE
and further specifies that the 2 hours must be in addition to the current CE requirement of 24 contact hours
for every licensing period.
MODNA members Sally Morgan and Jeri Milstead both presented testimony stating why they did not believe
that the additional 2 contact hours should be in addition to the 24 contact hours already required of APRNs
who assess and treat patients with concussions. Following their testimony, Board of Nursing Legislative Liasion Tom Dilling asked to speak with them for a further discussion. The following paragraphs contain excerpts
from Jeri Milstead’s testimony, and the response received from the Board of Nursing after consideration of
their testimony.
Jeri Milstead: I am an Ohio registered nurse (RN) and am writing to comment on the proposed rule for OAC
Section 4732-8-11 related to the assessment and treatment of concussions in school athletes. I have three
concerns:
1. The Ohio Board of Nursing (“Board”) inadvertently may be causing “CE creep”—i.e, requiring more than
the specified contact hours of continuing education (CE) every two years for relicensure as a registered nurse
(RN) and advanced practice registered nurse (APRN). I understand the complexity of health care that puts
increasing demands on all types of nurses and the need to update our knowledge base. I support lifelong
learning that includes CE, but I see evidence that the Board may be causing unnecessary hardship by adding CE requirements beyond the 24 contact hours needed by RNs that became effective in 1991. Provisions
found in sections ORC 3707.511 and ORC 3707.521 require regulatory agencies that license physicians and
other health care professionals to establish CE requirements related to concussion for those who assess and
clear athletes to return to practice and competition. The law does not specify how many contact hours or how
often. The proposed Board rule requires APRNs who deal with patients with possible concussions to obtain 2
contact hours of CE and further specifies that the 2 hours must be in addition to the current CE requirement
of 24 contact hours for every licensing period.
My problem with the proposed language is that an additional 2 CE contact hours becomes a regulatory restraint that has little evidence to support it. Nurses who deal with possible concussions undoubtedly seek
more knowledge, attend CE programs, and collaborate with colleagues in order to demonstrate competence
for their patients. Also, APRNs must meet all requirements for re-certification imposed by national certification bodies, including a number of contact hours of CE. APRNs should be acknowledged as responsible professionals who stay up-to-date on many issues. Imposing 2 additional CE contact hours is an example ‘CE creep’
that can result in requiring more and more CE with questionable benefit from a public safety perspective. I
believe that APRNs are able to include the content for these 2 contact hours within the 24 contact hours currently required.
12 | September/October 2015 | Mid Ohio District Nurses Association
My problem with the proposed language is that an additional 2 CE contact hours becomes a regulatory restraint that has little evidence to support it. Nurses who deal with possible concussions undoubtedly seek
more knowledge, attend CE programs, and collaborate with colleagues in order to demonstrate competence
for their patients. Also, APRNs must meet all requirements for re-certification imposed by national certification bodies, including a number of contact hours of CE. APRNs should be acknowledged as responsible professionals who stay up-to-date on many issues. Imposing 2 additional CE contact hours is an example ‘CE creep’
that can result in requiring more and more CE with questionable benefit from a public safety perspective. I
believe that APRNs are able to include the content for these 2 contact hours within the 24 contact hours currently required.
2. Requiring 2 contact hours of content specific to concussion puts the Board in a position of having to monitor
compliance that, at least, requires a thorough investigation of the APRN’s CE portfolio. I believe this puts an
undue burden on the Board and could have a fiscal impact on Board expenditures that was not identified in
the Rule Summary and Fiscal Analysis statement filed with the proposed rule.
3. The Board also specifies that the 2 contact hours must be completed during every licensing period. I urge
the Board to resist stipulating that this specific content must be included over and over every 2 years. Various
health care issues surface every year and nurses respond by seeking information and evidence that strengthens their practices and has positive effects on patients and the public. For example, in 2014, Ebola was a major
issue and nurses and other health care professionals rallied to equip themselves with knowledge and skills to
address the issue—without mandating this content in rule. I believe requiring one 2 contact hour session on
the assessment and clearance of possible concussions will equip APRNs with the necessary knowledge and
skill to attend to student athletes. As research produces evidence to change practice, APRNs will seek knowledge to update their practices and can focus on relevant content. I hope we do not begin to require specific
CE content for relicensure—we should allow RNs and APRNs to determine what is necessary and helpful for
their own practices.
Tom Dilling: “Thanks for providing testimony at the Board’s rule hearing in July on proposed rule 4723-8-11 on
“Youth concussion assessment and clearance.” The Nursing Board did discuss the testimony received at hearing and following discussion decided to amend the rule. The Board modified paragraphs (B)(3) and (C)(3) of
the rule to require that a CNP or CNS who assesses and clears a youth to return to play or competition maintain
competency and complete appropriate continuing education (CE), but not specify the number of hours, and
allow the youth concussion CE hours to be counted as part of the 24 hours required for renewal of licensure”.
Yep, when nurses speak, others listen! Thank you Jeri and Sally for standing up for our professional needs.
Terry Pope, MSN, RN
Executive Director
13
COMMITTEE SURF
The Mid Ohio District Nurses Association could use your help to continue advancing the great work nurses within
this association have already accomplished. We currently have open seats on several of our MODNA committees, and would like to extend an invitation for you to ‘committee surf’ any of our committees to learn more
about our organization’s work, interact with your colleagues from different areas, or to determine which committee you might enjoy working with going forward. Just give us a call at (614) 326-1630 and let us know which
meeting you are planning to “committee surf”.
** Those of you interested in health policy would enjoy being part of our Legislation Committee. This committee is very active in state wide legislative and regulatory issues, supports the annual Nurses Day at the State
House, and hosts a biennial Candidates Forum focused on nursing and health care issues. This committee
meets every other month on the second Wednesday @ 5:30 pm in the MODNA office. A light dinner is provided.
2015 Meeting Date(s): September 9, and November 11
** Members interested in life-long learning and nursing continuing education would be welcome contributors
to our Continuing Education Committee. This committee plans and facilitates all of our Continuing Education
events. This committee meets the second Tuesday of every other month at 5:00 pm in the MODNA office.
A light dinner is provided.
2015 Meeting Date(s): October 13, and December 8
** New this year is our Nursing Transitions Initiative Committee. This committee’s focus is on offering support
and resources for nurses during periods of professional transition from novice to expert, and from practice to
practice. This committee meets the first Tuesday of every other month @ 5:30 pm in the MODNA office.
A light dinner is provided.
2015 Meeting Date(s): October 6, and December 1
If you are interested in committee surfing, joining, or have a few questions you need answered first, please call
or email Terry Pope at (614) 326-1630 or tpope@modna.org
14 | September/October 2015 | Mid Ohio District Nurses Association
15
NON-PROFIT ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
COLUMBUS, OHIO
PERMIT NO. 1243
Professionally
SPEAKING
Serving Registered Nurses in
Delaware, Fairfield, Fayette,
Franklin, Logan, Madison,
Pickaway, and Union Counties
Mid-Ohio District Nurses Association
1520 Old Henderson Rd, Suite 100
Columbus, OH 43220
Phone (614) 326-1630
Fax (614) 326-1633
e-mail: modna@modna.org
website: www.modna.org
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Please call to reconfirm time and location of meetings.
SEPTEMBER 2015
9
Wednesday
Legislation Committee
16
Tuesday
MODNA Convention Delegates Meeting
5:00 PM @ MODNA
6:00 PM @ ONA
OCTOBER 2015
6
Tuesday
Nursing Transitions Initiative Meeting
5:30 PM @ MODNA
13
Tuesday
CE Committee Meeting
5:00 PM @ MODNA
14
Wednesday
MODNA Board of Directors Meeting
5:30 PM @ MODNA
NOVEMBER 2015
4
Wednesday
Finance Committee Meeting 5:30 PM @ MODNA
11
Wednesday
Legislation Committee Meeting
5:00 PM @ MODNA
18
Wednesday
CE Program and Meeting
16 | September/October 2015 | Mid Ohio District Nurses Association
6:00 PM @ ONA