Colorado Nurses Association President · (CN), a new era begins. The Colorado Nurses Foundation (CNF) will partner with the Colorado Nurses Association to publish the Colorado Nurse

Sara JarrettPresident, CNF

With this edition of the Colorado Nurse (CN), a new era begins. The Colorado Nurses Foundation (CNF) will partner with the Colorado

Nurses Association t o p u b l i s h t h e C o lo r a do Nu r s e . The Foundation is excited about this opportunity to share with all the nurses of Colorado relevant and important news about nursing and health care in Colorado.

I would like to introduce you to CNF. CNF is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization, dedicated to improving health care and nursing practice in Colorado. The organization is devoted to creating nursing

current resident or

Non-Profit Org.U.S. Postage Paid

Princeton, MNPermit No. 14

The Official Publication of the Colorado Nurses Foundation in partnership with the Colorado Nurses AssociationQuarterly circulation approximately 72,000 to all RNs, LPNs, and Student Nurses in ColoradoVolume 114 • No. 4 November 2014

Mary Ciambelli

Colorado Nurses Association President...

From the Desk of the CNF President

Sara Jarrett

excellence through the promotion of educational and scientific activities and community-based projects in Colorado. CNF offers scholarships for Colorado nursing students, funding of research grants, and educational events. The Nightingale Awards for Excellence, the statewide nursing recognition event is sponsored and managed by CNF. These awards are based upon the spirit of a citizen of the profession through advocacy, innovation, and leadership. This event is the premier statewide nursing event for all nurses in Colorado.

CNF began in 1987 as the Nursing Institute of Colorado. Although the name has changed, the mission of the organization has remained the same: to provide a means for nurses and other health care providers and consumers to work together for quality health care. CNF hopes to expand its visibility about our program opportunities through this regular communication to nurses throughout the state.

Welcome to continuing and new readers of this publication. For more information about CNF, our website is coloradonursesfoundation.com.

President’s Message continued on page 13

Diverse Messengers with One Strong VoiceMary Ciambelli,

President of the Colorado Nurses Association

Strong together to advance the profession of nursing to improve health for all – this is the mission statement for the Colorado Nurses Association and my hope for all registered nurses in Colorado. This historic edition of the Colorado Nurse is brought to you by the Colorado Nurses Foundation (CNF) in partnership with the Colorado Nurses Association (CNF). This is a natural arrangement for both organizations since many members of the Association also volunteer for the Foundation. Both the Association and the Foundation function with engaged volunteers, in the case of the Association the volunteers are dues paying members and in the case of the Foundation the volunteers are contributors. I look forward to a long and mutually beneficial partnership with the Foundation and I know you will enjoy Dr. Sara Jarrett’s erudite column today and in the future!

Speaking of the future, the Association’s 2014-2015 Board of Directors (BOD) was elected at the

Second Annual Membership Assembly October 24-25 2014. The new BOD members are: President-Elect Terry Buxton; Vice President Susan Moyer; Treasurer Paula Stearns; Region I Director Laura Rosenthal; Region II Director Kathy Carpenter; Region III Director Terry Schumaker; and Nora Flucke Director At Large. For more information about these board members, please access their biographies via the link on your Association election notification. These elected leaders join returning board members: Mary Ciambelli; Nan Morgan; Carol O’Meara; Lori Rae Hamilton; Debra Bailey and Linda Stroup.

At the first 2014-2015 board meeting on October 25 2014 we selected the dates for the 2015 Membership Assembly and Continuing Education Day. Please save the dates Friday September 25 and 26 2015. The location is to be determined. We hope to meet with the Colorado Student Nurses Association (CSNA) to implement the Association’s strategic themes promoting enthusiasm and engagement for the role of professional nursing in society and developing excellence in practice, education and research. The BOD also appointed Lori Rae Hamilton to be the Association’s consultant with the Student Association. Congratulations Lori Rae!

The Association also thanks the following BOD members who have moved off the Board:

2014 Membership Assembly

pages 9-12

15th Annual Legislative Convention Connection Dinner

page 13

Nurses in the News

page 15

Page 2 • Colorado Nurse November, December 2014, January 2015

Colorado NurseOfficial PublicationExecutive Director’s Column

Nursing Is…Colleen Casper, RN, MS, DNPColorado Nurses Association

Executive Director

Nursing is the study and practice of the science required to protect, promote, and optimize health and abilities, prevention of illness and injury, alleviation of suffering through the diagnosis and treatment of human responses, and advocacy in the care of individuals, communities, and populations (ANA, 2014). Doesn’t that sound just like what the Affordable Care Act is looking for in terms of re-prioritizing health care delivery?

I think there may be a few additional facts about nursing practice we all should be fluent in reminding ourselves, and our colleagues about while delivering care. Bachelors prepared nursing curriculums are well grounded in whole person and family assessment, prioritizing the empowerment of individuals, families and communities, as well as population based social determinants of health and community program development to address them. Another significant and unique competency RNs have is the ability to work and be effective within complex team

dynamics, most frequently demonstrated by our ability to coordinate care while advocating for individuals and families, whether at the bedside of critical are to long term care, or in the home, clinic, or other community based care systems.

Nursing is the largest provider group of all health care services and we are greater than 3.1 million strong. Nurses provide the blocking and tackling on behalf of individuals at the front line, or sharp end of care, 24 hours per day and 7 days a week. Our front line view of care delivery assures individuals and families that they can “trust” nurses to catch early signs of complications and progress, and to inform the health care team members of the need for changes in treatment.

As nurses we have worked diligently to assimilate our basic curriculum content and our practice experience only strengthens the competencies we bring to care delivery in an ever-changing world. Our commitment to life-long professional development serves to reinforce to our communities that we are going to be a provider for the long term.

Join me in making sure every Coloradan know who we are, what we do, and the differences we make in health care delivery.

Join Colorado Nurses Association today!

COLORADO NURSE (ISSN-8750-846X) is published 4 times annually, February, May, August, and November, by the Arthur L. Davis Publishing Agency, Inc. for the Colorado Nurses Foundation, 2851 South Parker Rd, Ste 250, Aurora, CO 80014; Mailing: P.O. Box 3406, Englewood, CO 80155-3406, a constituent member of the American Nurses Association.

Subscription may be purchased for $20 per year, $35/2 years, $25 per year for foreign addresses.

For advertising rates and information, please contact Arthur L. Davis Publishing Agency, Inc., 517 Washington Street, PO Box 216, Cedar Falls, Iowa 50613, (800) 626-4081, [email protected]. CNF and the Arthur L. Davis Publishing Agency, Inc. reserve the right to reject any advertisement. Responsibility for errors in advertising is limited to corrections in the next issue or refund of price of advertisement.

Acceptance of advertising does not imply endorsement or approval by the Colorado Nurses Foundation of products advertised, the advertisers, or the claims made. Rejection of an advertisement does not imply a product offered for advertising is without merit, or that the manufacturer lacks integrity, or that this association disapproves of the product or its use. CNF and the Arthur L. Davis Publishing Agency, Inc. shall not be held liable for any consequences resulting from purchase or use of an advertiser’s product. Articles appearing in this publication express the opinions of the authors; they do not necessarily reflect views of the staff, board, or membership of CNF or those of the national or local associations.

Colorado Nurses Foundation wants to hear from you and welcomes letter to the editors. Correspondence may be sent to Colorado Nurses Foundation, 2851 South Parker Rd, Ste 250, Aurora, CO 80014; Mailing: P.O. Box 3406, Englewood, CO 80155-3406; email, [email protected].

Material is copyrighted 2014 by the Colorado Nurses Foundation and may not be reprinted without written permission from CNF.

Co-Editors: Eve Hoygaard, MS, RN, WHNP (30) M. Colleen Casper, RN, MS, DNP (16)

CNA Executive Director: Colleen Casper, RN, MS, DNP

COLORADO NURSES FOUNDATION

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

President: Secretary: Sara Jarrett Carol O’Meara

Vice President: Treasurer: Judith Burke Carol Brookshire

BOARD MEMBERS

Lola Fehr Eve Hoygaard Margaret Mulhall Linda Satkowiak Norma Tubman

COLORADO NURSES ASSOCIATION

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

President: Secretary: Mary M. Ciambelli (31) Nanette Morgan (16)

President Elect: Treasurer: Theresa Buxton (Terry) Paula Stearns (09)

Vice-President:Susan Moyer

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Region I Director: Region I Director: Laura Rosenthal Carol O’Meara (30)

Region II Director: Region II Director Lori Rae Hamilton (04) Kathryn Carpenter (4)

Region III Director: Region III Director Debra Bailey (05) Terry Shelton Schumaker

Director-At-Large: Director-At-Large Linda Stroup Nora Flucke

DNA PRESIDENTS

DNA #2: Colleen CasperDNA #3: Justine Sherman • Anne ZobecDNA #4: Lori Rae Hamilton, Model, CODNA #5: Kristy Reuss, Grand Junction, CODNA #6: Charlotte LeDonne, Alamosa, CODNA #7: Terry Schumaker, Mancos, CODNA #8: Stacie Seaman, Windsor, CODNA #9: Janie Arndt, Fort Collins, CODNA #12: Anita Roberts, Broomfield, CO DNA #16: Nanette Morgan, Denver, CODNA #20: Janet Ballantyne, Conifer, CODNA #23: Fran Dowling, Thornton, CODNA #30: Kate Martinez, Littleton, CODNA #31: Ann Terrill-Torres, Denver, CO

To contact any person listed above, please use the CNA/CNF office numbers/address/email address.

CNA/CNF Contact InformationMain Phone: 303-597-0128 • FAX: 303-757-8833

EmailAddress: [email protected]

www.coloradonurses.org

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November, December 2014, January 2015 Colorado Nurse • Page 3

Update from the

The State Board of Nursing adopted a new policy for the Prescribing and Dispensing of Opioids, part of a collaborative effort with the Quad-Regulator Boards as one part of a statewide solution to reduce prescription drug abuse and misuse. The Quad-Regulator Boards include the Colorado Medical Board, the Colorado State Board of Nursing, the Colorado Board of Pharmacy, and the Colorado State Board of Dental Examiners, facilitated by the Nurse-Physician Advisory Task Force for Colorado Healthcare (NPATCH). Other boards that license prescribers of controlled substances also adopted the policy including the State Board of Optometry and the Colorado Podiatry Board while the State Board of Veterinary Medicine endorsed the policy.

The development of a joint policy by multiple regulatory boards is a first. For that reason, the policy was drafted through an open process that allowed for full consideration of stakeholder views through multiple public meetings from February to July 2014. To view the policy that was unanimously adopted by the Quad-Regulators and other boards, please go to the Board’s public website www.dora.state.co.us/nursing and click on the link under “Board Adopts New Policy.”

Additional activity at the Board included Program Director Georgia Roberts attending the one day annual Nurse Licensure Compact Administrators (NLCA) meeting, and the three-day National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) conference, both held in Chicago. Board President Vicki Erickson joined for the NCSBN portion. These annual events provide both outreach and networking opportunities with similarly situated representatives from the 50 states, four U.S. territories and Canada. Both the NLCA Annual Meeting and the NCSBN Annual Conference focused primarily on the proposed revisions to the Nurse Licensure Compact. In summary, the most significant changes proposed include the creation of an Interstate Commission of Nurse Licensure Compact Administrators, with rulemaking authority to implement the compact changes; a requirement of finger printing or other biometric tests for purposes of doing criminal background checks on individuals seeking to obtain or retain a multistate nursing license under the compact (currently for professional and practical nurses); and a requirement that currently confidential, voluntary Agreements to Participate (ATPs) in alternative programs (i.e. Peer Assistance Services) that are offered to nurse

licensees would be required to be reported in Nursys. Nursys is a public data bank, and the data is automatically uploaded into the federal National Professional Data Base (NPDB). A minimum of ten of the current twenty-four compact state legislatures would have to approve the proposed changes, before such provisions would become a part of the Nurse Licensing Compact.

During the NCSBN conference through the Delegate Assembly, a resolution was passed affirming the endorsement of a uniform mutual recognition model of nurse licensure, and the use of telehealth technology for access to healthcare and as a tool to further facilitate the mobility of nurses. In addition, NCSBN unveiled the results of a two year national study assessing the role and effect of simulation during the nurse education clinical experience. In summary, this longitudinal study included incoming nursing students from 10 pre-licensure programs across the United States who were randomized into three study groups. The study began in 2011 and followed nursing students through graduation and into their first six months of clinical practice. The results are reported to have shown that “up to 50% [of high quality] simulation was effectively substituted for traditional clinical experience in all core courses across the pre-licensure nursing curriculum,” and did not affect the NCLEX pass rates. NCSBN emphasized that it is incumbent upon any nurse

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By now we have all heard at least some of the seven IOM Future of Nursing recommendations released four years ago. We know that the Colorado Action Coalition has selected three of these as a priority in the state. One is achieving a nursing workforce with 80% baccalaureate education by 2020; another is removing barriers to the full practice of professional nursing; and the third is the placing of nurses on boards where they can influence decisions and changes in healthcare.

The Future of Nursing Campaign for Action administered by the Center for Championing Nursing in America has determined that placing nurses on boards should be a priority. To that end they have appointed a national Steering Committee of 11 members, including the American Nurses Association, American Academy of Nursing, National League for Nursing, American Organization of Nurse Executives, American Association of Colleges of Nursing, National Black Nurses Association, National Association of Hispanic Nurses, National Association of Men in Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau, and two state Action Coalitions, one of which is Colorado. Karren Kowalski represents Colorado on the Steering Committee. The goal is to place 10,000 nurses on boards by 2020.

Colorado’s share of that 10,000 is about 200 nurses being placed on a variety of healthcare-related boards. While these boards include all types, emphasis is being placed on hospital boards where nurses comprise only 7% of Board

membership. We know of six nurses serving on hospital boards in Colorado, and that means only 6% of Colorado’s hospitals experience the benefits of having a nurse on their board.

Hospitals and clinics that do not count a nurse among their board members are missing an essential perspective for making board decisions. Every member of the board brings personal experience and perspective, but only a nurse knows the environment in which patient care is delivered 24/7. The nurse is most able to evaluate the quality and safety data as it relates to possible extended stays and readmissions that are key components of higher cost. Only a nurse can analyze care delivery systems from a nursing perspective and identify where efficiencies may be gained or lost. The Chief Nursing Officer provides valuable reports to the board, but without a knowledgeable questioner it is a one sided conversation. Many nurses are generative thinkers, which translates to: they ask great questions and stimulate critical discussion of issues. The nurse who is a voting member of the board can evaluate all aspects of the patient experience and lead discussions related to the improvement of quality and safety. The Board that wishes to obtain all the information necessary for policy decisions is not complete without a voting nurse member.

The Center has quizzed nurses about their interest in serving on boards. We find many nurses interested, but when asked what barriers prevent their seeking positions most of the responses relate to a lack of self confidence, either from lack of knowledge about board governance, lack of experience, or both. There are activities in place to support nurses in their quest for board membership, and some Colorado nursing groups have begun a conversation about how they can collaborate, not only in this effort, but in other work to strengthen the image of the profession in Colorado.

For now, we have several requests of each nurse reading this column. The first is to let us know what organizations you are currently serving as a board member. It is important that we know where nurses are active so that we can tap that resource for future board appointments.

The second request is to make a personal plan to serve on a board, or if that is not possible, to identify and support a colleague who is willing to do so. Begin where your current interests take you. If you have children in school look for school-related groups and committees. School districts have opportunities to serve on budget review committees, providing great opportunities to learn about financial management of organizations. Learning leadership skills that impact your children’s experiences in school and in the community can be doubly rewarding. Fertile learning opportunities lie in professional associations where committees and boards seek volunteer leaders to further the missions of their organizations.

Serve on a professional nursing board. The Future of Nursing Campaign is encouraging professional organizations to mentor/train their board members in great functioning on their board. This is an excellent place to begin board service.

The next step in serving on boards is to look beyond your local neighborhood. There are public health departments, clinics, and other opportunities to provide nursing leadership in the delivery of health care. Opportunities vary from place to place, but opportunities are everywhere. It’s also a good time to consider joining a service club for the purpose of networking with other community leaders who can identify and support you for leadership opportunities. This is especially important for positions on hospital boards. Nurses cannot serve as board members in facilities where they are employed, and serving on the board of a competing entity, even if it were possible would likely result in serious conflicts of interest. What should you do? Find and promote a nursing colleague who is retired or practicing in education or a non-competing provider organization and work to have them appointed. (Remember the networking in the service club.)

There are other opportunities with state boards and commissions requiring a governor’s appointment. There are openings for public members on professional provider boards and other opportunities on boards that provide state services.

Back to the beginning, please notify the Center of all your current board service by contacting [email protected]. We will follow up to ascertain your future goals and help devise a plan to their achievement. We look forward to hearing from you.

The Missing Voice in the Board Room – Is It Yours?Colorado Center for Nursing Excellence

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Authors: Holen Hirsh, PhD & Emily Love, PhD; OMNI Institute.

Carolyn Swenson, MSPH, MSN; Peer Assistance Services

Colorado received two consecutive, five-year grants from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to implement screening, brief intervention and referral to treatment (SBIRT) statewide. SBIRT Colorado is administered by the Colorado Office of Behavioral Health and managed by Peer Assistance Services; the second five-year grant will end in September 2016. SBIRT Colorado addresses the full spectrum of alcohol or drug use in adolescents and adults – including prevention, early intervention for risky use, and referral for substance use disorder treatment when indicated.

In 2013, the Colorado Prevention Partnership for Success (CPPS) initiative, also funded to the Colorado Office of Behavioral Health by SAMHSA, launched an effort to implement SBIRT in school and youth-serving community based organizations in four counties (Adams, Denver, Pueblo, and Weld). CPPS is focused on promoting evidence-based youth substance use prevention efforts in communities. The CPPS initiative initially supported the development of collaborative community partnerships in the four counties to prevent alcohol use and binge drinking in adolescents and then received one year of expansion funding to focus specifically on marijuana prevention.” Adolescent marijuana use is a pressing concern in Colorado, particularly in light of recent legislation legalizing the sale and use of recreational marijuana. Given the high prevalence of marijuana use among Colorado youth, 22% report using marijuana in the past 30 days (Healthy Kids Colorado Survey, 2011), CPPS, in partnership with OMNI Institute and Peer Assistance Services, is working in the four counties to implement and evaluate a targeted prevention and intervention effort.. “Peer Assistance Services provides training on screening adolescents using the CRAFFT screening tool and providing brief motivational conversations to decrease use and the harms associated with use of marijuana, alcohol or

Peer Assistance Services

other drugs. Trained staff then screen adolescents for substance use and collect data using an online database. In addition, a survey is administered to collect baseline data from individuals participating in the SBIRT training.” A follow-up survey will be administered in the fall of 2014 to assess how implementation worked and what lessons were learned.

Preliminary CRAFFT data collected from nearly 200 youth suggests that more than 1/3 of youth screened have used alcohol, marijuana or hashish, or something else to get high in the past 12 months. It is important to note that among youth who indicate that they have used substances in the past 12 months, 92% report that they used marijuana.

Data collected from 176 health care providers and school staff at the training sessions suggest that 2/3 of providers feel they do not have the tools they need to screen for marijuana use with adolescents.

While the data are not collected from a representative sample of Colorado youth and professionals, these preliminary findings provide evidence in support of the need for further adolescent marijuana use prevention efforts in the state of Colorado. The Office of Behavioral Health, OMNI Institute and Peer Assistance Services, continue to collaborate to support prevention initiatives focusing on youth and marijuana use.

Peer Assistance is a regular column in The Colorado Nurse provided by Peer Assistance

Screening and Brief InterventionUsing Screening and Brief Intervention to Prevent Underage Marijuana Use: Findings from a Pilot Program in

Colorado Measuring Adolescent Marijuana Use with the CRAFFT Screening Tool

Services, Inc. “PAS contracts with the Colorado Board of Nursing to provide the statewide Nursing Peer Health Assistance Program..” For more information please go to our website PeerAssistanceServices.org or call 1.800.369.0039. We invite your comments and suggestions for future article content email: [email protected]

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Peer Assistance Services

Authored by Donna Strickland, RN MS PMHCNS-BC, Director of Clinical Services and Carla Garcia, MSN, RN, CARN-AP,

Case Manager, Nurse Program Lead

“Don’t know about you … but there are many-a-holiday party that I don’t remember. You see, I drank a lot. But then, I always drank a lot. Wanted to pass on to you some important facts about holiday drinking. I’ve been sober now for a very long time. But, it’s like it was just yesterday that I left a party completely intoxicated and have no idea how I drove myself home. Not everybody is like me. But there are bunches of us who drink far more than we usually do, during the holidays” said a nurse colleague recently to us.

So what is considered “excessive alcohol consumption”?

You may want to pay attention to these real facts from the National Institutes of Health (NIDA)

Heavy weekly alcohol consumption• >8drinksperweekforwomen• >15drinksperweekformen

Binge drinking refers to heavy alcohol consumption over a short period of time.

• >4drinksonoccasionforwomen• >5drinksonanoccasionformen

The holiday season becomes one of the most dangerous times of the year for alcohol-related accidents and death. Every holiday season, people have to deal with the increased pressures and stress that the holidays place upon most of us.

The winter holidays are a time to enjoy the company of family, friends, and coworkers. Whether you are planning a dinner, informal gathering, or holiday party, your job as host is very important. Your many responsibilities include planning the menu or catering, organizing entertainment, and considering space arrangements. However, some of the most crucial details can be overlooked in all of the frenzy.

Perhaps your most important responsibility as host for a party or gathering where alcohol is involved is to take steps to ensure your guests’ safety both during and after the celebration.

Drinking and driving is an all too familiar and tragic combination.

More people are on the road, and they also are consuming alcohol as a part of their holiday celebrations. It is important to plan an event where non-alcoholic beverages and alternative transportation options are available.

Tips for Party Givers & Goer’sAvoid making alcohol the main focus of social

events. Entertain guests with music, dancing, games, food, and lively conversation.

Did you know that one in three adults prefers a nonalcoholic beverage? Make sure to offer plenty of nonalcoholic choices such as sparkling water, fancy juice drinks, soft drinks, and bottled drinking water.

Provide guests with nutritious and appealing foods to slow the effects of alcohol. High protein and carbohydrate foods like cheese and meats are especially good. They stay in the stomach much longer, which slows the rate at which the body absorbs alcohol. Avoid salty foods, which encourage people to drink more.

• Require bartenders to measure the correctamount of liquor into drinks (no doubles), and instruct them not to serve anyone who appears to be impaired. The “real” drinks we measure against are from NIDA and are 1.5 oz of liquor or 5 oz. of wine or 12 oz of beer. They all equal the same. One isn’t less “alcoholic” than another.

Stop serving drinks at least 1 hour before the end of the event. Instead, serve coffee, non-alcoholic beverages and desserts at that time.

Recruit people ahead of time who will not be drinking to help ensure that everyone has a safe ride home. Be a helpful host. If you’re hosting a party this holiday season, remind your guests to plan ahead and designate their sober driver; offer plenty of alcohol-free beverages; and make sure all of your guests leave with a sober driver.

Choose your number ahead of time. If you are going to drink, do what responsible drinkers do. Decide ahead of time how many drinks you will have and stick to it. A blood alcohol content chart can help you understand the relationship between the amount of drinks, blood alcohol content and level of impairment.

Remember that alcohol is a complement, not the purpose. Know Your Limits. Sometimes we lose sight of a holiday celebration or party and see it as a chance or opportunity to drink socially. While it is such an opportunity, the main purpose of a party is to have fun with people you know. Drinking is always an option and optional, and it is as much as a choice as it is a responsibility. Keep this in mind throughout the night. If you find yourself going overboard, find a friend or loved one, and explain you’d like to go home. You can stop yourself before you go too far, you just need to choose to do so.

And, if you can’t choose to stop yourself before you go too far, call us at Peer Assistance, 303-369-0039. We offer a safe confidential environment for talking about concerns like these. We also offer educational programs for healthcare organizations, nurse leaders and nursing schools about mental health issues, substance use, and SBIRT-screening for risky alcohol use in primary care settings as a standard of care.

Peer Assistance is a regular column in The Colorado Nurse provided by Peer Assistance Services, Inc. PAS contracts with the Colorado Board of Nursing to provide the statewide Nursing Peer Health Assistance Program. For more information please go to our website PeerAssistanceServices.org or call 1.800.369.0039. We invite your comments and suggestions for future article content email: [email protected]

Adapted from SAMHSA “A Holiday to Remember” November, 2004

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An Alcohol-Safe Holiday to Remember: Party Planning TipsBe a Responsible Host: Know the Facts

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District & Committee Reports

DNA#2 Update

Colleen Casper, RN, MS, DNP

District 2 UpdatesEmails specific to DNA 2 have been replaced

with the efforts to maintain regular email updates to the full membership. Please let me know if there is more you are interested in terms of connections with CNA offices.

DNA#3 Report, Spring & Summer, 2014

Anne Zobec, Board MemberW: 719-667-6942 • Cell: 719-351-4268

DNA 3 held the May meeting at Peak View, a behavioral health facility. More than 20 nurses attended. We learned about the services provided and took a tour. Those in attendance expressed a greater understanding of the challenges and opportunities in caring for patients with mental health issues. Student nurses are invited to attend any of our meetings.

We donated scholarship funds to the local nursing programs in honor of Mary Ann Wermers and Jo Ruth.

Aimee Doman and Kate Peterson continue to be very involved on the Safe Transfers Task Force. They provided an educational program for seniors and health care providers. It was well attended and well received. 3 key issues are:

1. Medication reconciliation2. Patient centered care3. Standardize processes when patients are

discharged from health care facilities to home or other facilities

We held a meeting on June 30 to plan programs and meetings for 2014-2015. Our new co-presidents are Justine Sherman and Marilyn Russo. Mary Wall will be our Program Planner. We have exciting plans for the next year’s programs.

Lisa Bell, Entrepreneur, provided the program at the September 8 meeting. She discussed problems in the Colorado Springs area with young women who need mentors. She has a mission aligned with the credo “Older Women Reaching Back for Younger Women.”

We are also planning a program about health care reform in February.

Many ideas were generated about how to get our student nurses involved and how we might help them during their school year.

DNA 4 News

Walsenburg, CO was the location for an annual meeting of DNA 4 and DNA 6.

For information about DNA-4 meeting schedule,

please contact LoriRae Hamilton, DNA 4 President at [email protected].

DNA 5 News

For Information about DNA-5 meetings/other events, please contact DNA-5 President Kristy Reuss ([email protected])

DNA 6 (San Luis Valley)

Respectfully submitted,Charlotte Ledonne, RN, BSN, MA, LPC

President DNA 6

Members of DNA 4 (southeast Colorado) and DNA 6 (San Luis Valley) shared a meal and meeting on Saturday, September 27th in Walsenburg. The meeting was hosted by Nancy Corsention, DON at the Spanish Peaks Regional Health Center. Colleen provided points for discussion with a Colorado Nurses Association update and encouraged nurses

to attend the statewide conference October 24th and 25th in Denver.

Left to Right - Back row - Lorirae Hamilton, Donna Wofford, Sue Foster, Dorothy DeNiro, Susan

Williams, Colleen Whalen Casper, Shawn Elliott, Nancy Corsentino

Front row - Angie Medina, Charlotte Ledonne, Kathy Carpenter

District & Committee Reports continued on page 8

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District & Committee Reports

DNA 7 News

Summer has been a quiet time for DNA-7 with several members out of town or enjoying the pristine beauty of the region. Our meetings will resume this fall in October with a reception and forum at the Strater hotel on October 7th. We will welcome Dr. Colleen Casper to the event and also open our doors to the nearby DNA-6 in the nearby San Luis Valley. In addition election of officers will take place. We continue to maintain a strong membership (38) with some relocating and others coming into the area.

We continue our effort to outreach to new nurses and new graduates at the local community college and from nearby Adams State University, offering scholarship opportunities for student memberships and leadership activity opportunities.

We look forward to the membership assembly held in Denver and developing new goals and holiday plans for our membership.

DNA 8 News

Please contact Stacie Seaman, DNA 8 President ([email protected]) for DNA meeting information.

DNA 9 News

Vicki Carroll, Secretary

On August 27th, DNA 9 members celebrated nursing history in Northern Colorado, and included several long time retired members at a Brunch at the Gardens at Spring Creek. In keeping with the DNA 9 minutes from sixty and seventy years ago where the refreshments served were often mentioned, this 2014 menu featured different quiches, fresh fruit, and muffins and cinnamon buns served with coffee and juice.

Fourteen nurses sat under a shelter against a background of shrubs and flowers, around two large decorated tables on a slightly drizzly day. The conversations were cheerful and full of recollections. President Janie Arndt asked each person to enumerate the years they worked until retirement. Of course, not all have retired, but recently retired Jane Koeckeritz won the penny bag at 45 years in her nursing career. The total years of nursing among the fourteen attendees was 420 years! Colleen Casper, current Executive Director of the Colorado Nurses Association joined us in the celebration.

A handout of DNA minutes, rosters, and newsletters along with interviews with Dorothy Benedict, Pauline Martin, Althea Williams, and Virginia Febinger were presented. The cover page included a copy of the telegram that arrived at the home of Mrs. Gertrude Ragan on December 16, 1936 giving the District approval by the Colorado Nurses Association Board of Directors.

There will be a DNA 9 business meeting with election of officers on October 15, 2014 at Value Plastics in Fort Collins. The meeting will include a Focus group with Value Plastics, evaluating new medical devices connectors.

DNA 12 News

For meeting/event information, please contact DNA 12 President Anita Roberts ([email protected] or 720-308-2433).

DNA News – District 16

DNA 16 wants to start our report with this important message. March 4, 2015 is the date set at the Scottish Rite Temple located at 1370 Grant Street for next year’s Legislative Dinner. This annual happening is our biggest event as we plan for the collaboration between nurses, nursing students and several members of the Colorado Legislature. The program includes time for each congressional member to present information about legislation they have sponsored and for our nurses to talk about the

issues in congress that are near and dear to us. It is an excellent time to connect with your legislatures for a nominal fee.

November 18th our district will be at Project Cure sorting medical supplies to help with global healthcare and have a bit of fun as we build our resume with pallet loading and moving skills.

We will end our year with our holiday gathering at Carol Brautigam house while collecting clothing and toys for a local shelter. We are thankful for our fortune and appreciate the opportunity to share that with those who are less fortunate. We will, of course be in attendance at the October Membership Assembly. Next year we will also be participating in the 2nd Annual Interdisciplinary Collaborative for the Improvement of Patient Outcomes which is scheduled to happen February 19th, 2015 at the University of Colorado Conference Center.

See our webpage located off the Colorado Nurses Association home page or contact Nan Morgan President District 16 to join us for any of these events or for questions. [email protected]

DNA 20 – West Metro Area

Submitted by Norma Tubman RN, MScN, NE-BC, Board Member at Large

DNA 20 held its first meeting for 2014-15 in September with an inspiring presentation by Kay Miller, Vice President/Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer, St. Anthony Hospital, Lakewood to 18 meeting attendees. Her presentation “Magnet Designation: What Does It Mean and Why Make the Journey?” demonstrated the important role that nurses play in delivering safe, high quality and evidence-based nursing care.

DNA 20 members continue to support and promote CNA. Linda Stroup, CNA Board Member at Large, shared the findings of her dissertation “Nursing as a Career Choice by Hispanic/Latino College Students” at a breakout session at the Second CNA Member Assembly Continuing Education Event. Janet Ballantyne, DNA 20 President, was recognized as DNA 20 Nurse of the Year at the CNA Member Assembly Awards Luncheon which was well attended by DNA 20 members. Kathy Crisler presented “Promoting the Profession of Nursing and Your Professional Organization” in November to over 30 Front Range Community College and Metropolitan College of Denver nursing students. Thank you to CNA and St. Anthony Hospital Educational Department for donating door prizes. Kathy also has been asked to update the Chapter “Effectiveness of A Clinical Feedback Approach to Improve Patient Outcomes” for the 6th edition of Home Healthcare Administration.

Congratulations to Norma Tubman who received the Colorado Public Health Association Award, Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2014 Public Health in the Rockies Conference. The Award honors an individual who has retired from full-time employment in public health in recognition of their outstanding contributions and leadership in the field of Public Health. Norma, a 37 year member of DNA 20, retired in August as Director, Community Health Services Division, Jefferson County Public Health. Kudos to Irene Drabek who ran in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, Kathy Wood who participated in Living Beyond Breast Cancer Event and Norma Tubman who was appointed to Colorado Christian University Master of Nursing Degree Advisory Board. The new program starts in January 2015.

For information on DNA 20 meetings, contact President, Janet Ballantyne at 303-838-1240 or [email protected].

DNA 23 News

DNA 23 fall meeting schedule was a meeting in September and another in November. There will be a January meeting (contact DNA23 President Fran Dowling at [email protected] for date/location) Fundraising for DNA 23 will focus on one Health Care related charity (to be selected at the November meeting) this year. Like other smaller DNA’s, meeting attendance is small but those who do

attend are very committed to maintaining their DNA. Long time CNA/DNA 23 member Darlene Gaskin died in September (see Memorial Column) and she will be missed by her colleagues.

DNA 30 News

Eve Hoygaard, MS, RN, WHNPDNA-30 Secretary

DNA-30 Colorado Society of Advanced Practice Nurses (CSAPN) continues to be actively involved in the CNA Government Affairs& Public Policy (GAPP) committee. Members monitor topics being addressed by NPATCH and communicate updates to our members via email and on our websites (csapn.enpnetwork.com and on the CNA website coloradonurses.org). During recent months, we have provided input to NPATCH regarding prescriptive authority issues.

DNA-30 member Jennifer Allen-Thomas was awarded a scholarship to attend the September Advanced Leadership Summit and will share information about the Summit at a future DNA-30 meeting. Leadership is important in professional nursing! Future scholarships will be offered for events in early 2014... details will be posted on the website. DNA-30 has funded a $3000. scholarship to be administered by the Colorado Nurses Foundation.

We are involved with the Healthy Nurse program again this year. It starts on Thanksgiving and ends on Valentine’s Day. Prizes will be awarded... exercise team competition is fun and healthful too! Kate Martinez, DNA-30 President is the “Champion” for this project!

Our fall 2014 membership drive “100 CNA Memberships in 100 Days” is, at time of writing this column, progressing well. We hope that some readers of this issue will choose to join... if you do and you designate membership to be in DNA-30, we’ll enter your name into our drawing for $100.gift cards! See details on the website!

DNA-30 membership is open to advanced practice nurses including Certified Nurse Midwives, Clinical Nurse Specialists, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists as well as Nurse Practitioners. APN students are welcome to attend our monthly dinner meetings.

DNA 31 News

Despite the fact that we essentially took the summer off from our board meetings, a lot has been going on in CSCSPN. We are currently looking forward to our 36th Annual Fall Institute for Clinical Specialists in Psychiatric Nursing, September 19, 20, and 21, 2014 in Breckenridge. The focus will be: “Integrating the Mind and Body into Your Clinical Practice.” We have been working on establishing two awards of recognition which will both honor and encourage members in the area of making significant contributions (clinical excellence, research, community contributions, etc.) to both our organization and the entire field of psychiatric nursing. The new “Dort Award” in memory of Dorothy Gregg, will be presented to Mary Ciambelli at our Fall Institute and the “Denny Webster Academic Award for Excellence” will be presented at a later date to Denny Webster, after whom this award is named.

Additionally, Laura Mehringer continues active involvement in working on legislative issues through the GAPP Committee, specifically the negotiation of the 3600 hour clinical internship requirement for APN’s working toward prescriptive authority. Additionally, through involvement in NPAC, she is actively working on getting support for political candidates supportive of our nursing issues. A big thanks goes to Laura for all of her hard work. Another big thanks goes to Ronnie Shaw who has been working on restructuring our officer nomination procedure.

On Thursday, October 2nd, we are planning a membership dinner meeting to revisit the history and accomplishments of our organization as both CSCSPN and DNA 31, discuss our strategic plan for the next five years and to brainstorm ways to encourage membership participation in our organization.

District & Committee Reports continued from page 7


2014 MeMbership AsseMbly

Nurses Leading the Way: Practice, Policy and EducationSecond Annual Membership Assembly

Mary Ciambelli, President of C.N.A.

On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Colorado Nurses Association, our Executive Director Colleen Whalen Casper RN, MS, DNP and the staff of Civica, I want to thank all of the attendees, speakers, sponsors and vendors for their participation in our second annual Membership Assembly. This event included: a silent auction; a book sale, a showing of The American Nurse documentary; dynamic and timely continuing education programs; a Keynote Address by Dr. Marla Weston CEO of the American Nurses Association Enterprise; an Awards Luncheon; and last but not least the annual business meeting and elections. This inspiring and productive event took place on Friday, October 24, and Saturday, October 25, 2014 at the Denver Marriott Tech Center, located in southeast Denver Colorado.

Putting on an event of this complexity for a membership association whose volunteers are often employed full time with busy family lives is a monumental task. The behind the scenes work takes months of planning, innumerable phone calls, texts, and e-mails. This year’s Assembly took place in the context of the Association moving offices to 2851 S.

Parker Road, Suite 250, Aurora CO 80014 in the two weeks leading up to the Assembly. Imagine moving your house with 110 years of belongings to a more compact house while getting married and hosting an election and business meeting.

The success of this year’s meeting can be attributed to the leadership, skills and expertise of Dr. Casper, the staff of Civica, and the planning committee for the Assembly. The leadership and staff of Civica include Don Knox, Sonja Hix-Cortina, Catherine Huggins, Susan Nolte and Katrina Smith. The Membership Assembly Planning Committee included: Colleen Casper RN, MS, DNP Executive Director for the Association; Debra Bailey Ph.D., MS, RN, FNP Colorado Mesa University; Kathy Carpenter RN, MSN Trinidad State Junior College; Aimee Doman, RN and Nanette Morgan MS, RN, BC, CNRN, ONC. I also want to acknowledge the multiple contributions of Linda Skoff, RN (former DNA 4 President) who is currently volunteering in our office and was invaluable in assisting with the office move, the silent auction and the book sale. Thank you Linda!

Programs like our Membership Assembly are expensive. We could not afford to continue having meetings like these without the contributions of sponsors and vendors. This year, our sponsors were:

SCL Health; UNC School of Nursing; inventive Health/AstraZeneca; Colorado Nurses Foundation; Arthur L. Davis Publishing Agency, Inc., and Peer Assistance Services, Inc. Our exhibitors included: University of Colorado College of Nursing; Mutual of Omaha; Legal Shield Business Solutions; Flatirons Professional Coaching, LLC; Centura Health; and the Army Medical Department, Army Medical Recruiting.

Our educational programs were designed to explicate the 2014 Nurses Week Theme of Nurses Leading the Way: Practice, Policy and Education and apply it to the mission statement and strategic themes of the Association. The continuing education program was kicked off by Jeannette Jansson, RN, MSN, BS, NE-BC, CLNC Chief Nursing Officer for Colorado. Her presentation was titled Why Nurses Need to Lead: Opportunities for Affordable Care. Ms. Jansson spoke in a compelling manner about the crucial need for nursing to be visible in policy making meetings at governmental agencies and not simply at the legislature. She focused on the increased number of Coloradans who now are covered by Medicaid and insurance and the need to improve access to both primary and specialty care in the state. Jeannette is passionate about the

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Nurses Leading the Way continued on page 12



Vicki Carroll Honored for Sustained

Contributions to CNAby Carol O’Meara

CNA Awards Committee

Vicki Carroll of Ft. Collins was honored at the recent Colorado Nurses Association Membership Assembly for her Sustained Contributions to CNA. She has been a long time member of CNA and her DNA, and her enthusiasm has never waned. Her work in preserving the history of nursing in Colorado has been a major contribution to nursing in our state. She has researched historic Colorado nurse leaders and written their stories. She has spent countless hours in libraries and museums studying our history and has completed oral histories of nurse leaders in Northern Colorado. Vicki has sifted through many documents of CNA and her DNA to gain insights into the early years of our professional associations.

In addition to her work in maintaining our nursing history, Vicki has assisted countless nursing students to obtain nursing scholarships through the Colorado Nurses Foundation. Working with DNA 9, she facilitated donations to four health care related organizations including Respite Care, House of Neighborly Service, Good Health Will and Safehouse. She has been a national voice against violence in the nursing workplace.

Vicki was described as a visionary, consummate nurse professional, leader and doer by DNA 9 in their nomination for the award. CNA concurred and was proud to award Vicki with the 2014 Sustained Contributions Award.

by Carol O’MearaCNA Awards Committee

DNA-16 DNA of the Year Awardees

DNA 16 in Denver has been selected as the 2014 DNA of the Year. The group has increased its membership by 50 nurses over the last

CNA Membership Assembly Adopts Bylaws Changes

by Carol O’MearaBylaws Committee

At the Business Meeting of the 2014 Colorado Nurses Association Membership Assembly, several Bylaws Proposals were adopted. Other proposals were rejected by the Assembly.

Annual surveillance of CNA funds may now be done either by a full audit or by a review. A review is an analysis which determines that no material modifications to the financial statements are necessary and that there is conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. A review is much less costly in terms of both dollars and staff time. The Finance Committee will recommend to the board which type of surveillance is needed each year

Language to clarify that term limits apply to both officers and directors of the association, which has been our practice, was adopted. Vacancies for ANA Membership Assembly Representative will now be filled by elected alternates rather than by Board Appointment. This is not currently required by ANA, however CNA believes the membership should elect both the representatives and the alternates

A proposal to reduce the size of the CNA Board by having only one director for each CNA Region and two directors at large was defeated. Members present felt it was important to have two representatives per region in order to ensure representation from each region at each board meeting in the event that one of the regional representatives was unable to attend. The assembly also felt that the current number of board members is necessary in order to carry out the work of the association.

by Carol O’MearaCNA Awards Committee

Awardees and CNA President Dr. Mary Ciambelli

Several District Nurses Associations of the Colorado Nurses Association honored their Nurses of the Year at the recent CNA Membership Assembly. Each DNA establishes criteria for their award and conducts the selection process. The presentations were one of the highlights of the festive Awards Luncheon.

DNA 3 in Colorado Springs honored Dan Tierney as their DNA Nurse of the Year. Dan has been an active member of the DNA for many years. He attends nearly every meeting in spite of recent health challenges. Dan was the first “Foot Nurse” for the Penrose - St Francis Healthcare System in Colorado Springs. He managed a small clinic and provided care and advocacy for hundreds of patients. He has always been willing to learn and in turn has always been willing share his knowledge with others. DNA 3 is proud to name Dan Tierney as their 2014 Nurse of the Year.

Denise Root was selected by DNA 4 in Pueblo as their Nurse of the Year. Denise is Nursing Director at Otero Junior College. Described as a role model for the professional practice of nursing, she serves on several boards and mentors other nursing faculty. She is active in her DNA, developing events and working on scholarships. Denise recruits new nurses to the association by promoting professional involvement in the classroom. DNA 4 is pleased to honor Denise Root as their 2014 DNA Nurse of the Year.

DNA 9 in Fort Collins chose Vicki Carroll as their Nurse of the Year. She is recognized for her work in preserving nursing history in Colorado as well as her leadership in the DNA. Vicki has served in multiple capacities in her DNA and maintains the DNA minutes and historical documents. Her enthusiasm for CNA and DNA 9 never wanes. DNA 9 is proud to recognize Vicki Carroll as their 2014 DNA Nurse of the Year.

DNA 16 in Denver recognized Mary Kershner as their Nurse of the Year. Mary is a retired Research Nurse. She has been active in CNA and her DNA for more than 25 years and has served in a number of positions. She is a key person in organizing DNA 16 events such as their very successful Legislative Dinner and Nurses Night at the Rockies. Mary mentors new DNA leaders, and keeps the legacy of past leaders alive. DNA 16 gratefully recognizes Mary Kershner as their 2014 Nurse of the Year.

Janet Ballentyne is the DNA 20 Nurse of the Year. Janet is a Travel Health Consultant, and in addition is a leadership coach and mentor for nurse leaders in long term care settings. She has served in several DNA offices and is the current DNA 20 President. She is active not only in nursing organizations, but also with Boy Scouts, Mountain Resource Center, and Evergreen Rotary Club. Janet shares her knowledge and experience with nursing students during annual presentations at Front Range Community College. DNA 20 enthusiastically named Jane Ballentyne as their 2014 Nurse of the Year.

Congratulations to all of these DNA Nurses of the Year. Their dedication and commitment to nursing and our professional association is greatly appreciated.

DNA’s Recognize 2014 Nurses of the Year 2014

DNA 16 Selected DNA of the Yearyear—an 8% increase. DNA 16 sponsored a very successful Legislative Dinner which hosted 170 nurses and 12 legislators which was the largest in the history of the event. Another thriving event sponsored by DNA 16 was Nurses Night at the Rockies.

DNA 16 provides an annual $1000.00 Scholarship in honor of former member Eleanor Bent. The scholarship is given to a nursing student working on a primary nursing degree. Members of DNA 16 walked in the Brain Tumor Research Event to raise money for that organization. During the holiday season, DNA 16 collects toys and clothing for a local family homeless shelter. They are also an annual presence at Project Cure to help support global health initiatives.

Meetings of DNA 16 are often attended by local nursing students who are tasked with an assignment to experience a nursing organization. DNA 16 provides an excellent example of professionalism in nursing for these future nurses.

Congratulations to DNA 16 on their well-deserved selection as Colorado Nurses Association DNA of the Year.


Outgoing CNA BOD


Colleen Casper, Executive Director and speaker Jeannette Jansson, RN, MS, NE-BC, CLNC

Speaker Linda Stroup, PhD, RN, CNA-Director

Marla Weston with Eve Hoygaard

SponsorsEVENT SPONSOR

SCL Health

LANYARD SPONSORUNC School of Nursing

LUNCHEON SPONSORinVentiv Health/AstraZeneca

MOVIE SPONSORColorado Nurses Foundation

RECEPTION SPONSORArthur L. Davis Publishing Agency, Inc.

TOTE BAG SPONSORPeer Assistance Services, Inc.

ExhibitorsArmy Medical Recruiting

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Colorado Nurses FoundationFlatirons Professional Coaching, LLC

inVentiv Health/AstraZenecaLegal Shield Business Solutions

Mutual of OmahaPeer Assistance Services, Inc.

Performance ScrubsSCL Health

University of Colorado College of NursingUNC School of Nursing

CNA President, Dr. Mary Ciambelli

Speaker Gail Finley, Vice President,Rural Health and Regulatory Policy, Colorado Hospital Association

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President Ciambelli, at CNA Business Meeting with the BOD and Lola Fehr, Parliamentarian

Business Meeting

People in conversation

DNA-30 members

Business Meeting

Membership Voting ... “hands up” (CNA members vote on proposed Bylaws)


need for more and better data about nurse sensitive quality indicators and nurse driven outcomes in all populations. A robust discussion ensued about the critical need for nursing to be visible and have a unified voice when presenting testimony in front of the legislature as well as to regulatory agencies and governmental agencies.

Following this session, two breakout sessions were conducted. I attended Dr. Linda Stroup’s presentation of her dissertation research Nursing as a Career Choice by Hispanic/Latino College Students. Linda’s description of her research process and her study was well organized and sparked a lively discussion about her findings. Dr. Stroup’s study had a large sample size that had sufficient power to explain her findings. Those attending this presentation were impressed and inspired to discuss potential ways to gather more meaningful data in Colorado about this important but underrepresented group in the nursing workforce. Brava Linda!

Dr. Colleen Casper moderated a New Graduate Forum that was attended by Ms. Carol O’Meara. Per Carol’s verbal report, this forum reviewed different new graduate transition to practice programs that are available in metropolitan Denver hospitals. Panel presentations were done by Mimi Ryan, MSN, RN, NE-BC Denver Health; Deb Losacco Nurse Recruiter Denver Health; and Melissa Filter, RN, Magnet Program Director at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Denver. The presenters discussed how these programs are mutually beneficial to the new graduates and their employers as they provide for a smoother, safer and less stressful transition to practice for the new graduates and improved retention rates for the employers. This topic is important to all of us since transitioning new graduates through the novice stages of their practice affects all of us by promoting an adequate workforce for the future of our profession.

Following these sessions, the members re-convened to watch The American Nurse documentary. Prior to watching this film, we had a complimentary showing of a DVD focused on the work of Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) in Colorado. The president of the Colorado Nurse Anesthetists (CoNA) Sarah Figueroa DNAP introduced this film and provided some background regarding its production. Many familiar faces appeared on the DVD drawing appreciative rounds of applause from the audience including Cheryl Blankemeier, CRNA and Senator Jeanne Nicholson,

RN. Senator Nicholson will be the only nurse in the Colorado legislature if she is re-elected in November and has been a champion for removing barriers to all nurses practicing to their full authority. Several physicians participated, including the former head of the Department of Health who was honest about how he has changed his opinion from one of opposition to CRNAs practicing without “supervision” by physicians to now being fully supportive of CRNAs practicing to their full practice authority.

The American Nurse film project follows five nurses as they provide care to a wide ranging group of health care consumers. The nurses worked with persons in a maximum security prison, home health patients in Appalachia, soldiers returning from war, mothers giving birth and nursing home patients at the end of life. The showing of this film was sponsored by the Colorado Nurses Foundation. The stories all had different messages and the same message-nurses come in all shapes, sizes, ages and ethnicities but consistently provide non-judgmental, patient focused, quality care in every setting imaginable. This film was an emotional highlight for many of us and I freely admit that there were very few dry eyes in the house. Wow. If you have not seen this film, please add it to your to do list in the near future.

Following the film, a networking reception with our exhibitors was sponsored by the Arthur L. Davis Publishing Agency Inc. Members and non-members mingled, visited with exhibitors and spent time getting caught up with old friends and starting to make new ones. Dr. Marla Weston’s timing was perfect as she arrived just as the reception began. Dr. Weston networked with the members and re-connected with her many colleagues and admirers in Colorado.

Dr. Weston’s keynote address provided us with an overview of ANA’s foundational work and objectives. She provided us with detailed case examples of ANA implemented its mission statement, strategic goals and objectives and programmatic pillars during the last two weeks since the Ebola epidemic arrived in Texas. Marla spoke about ANA’s success in providing all of the Constituent and State Nursing Associations (C/SNAs) with talking points and strategies for media inquiries. In addition, she spoke about how ANA is now focusing on working with governmental agencies and regulatory agencies due to the inability of the current Congress to pass any legislation that promotes health care or the nursing profession.

Dr. Weston’s address was a compelling call to action as we continue to deal with Ebola infections in the United States as well as multiple other issues such as safe staffing and capturing nurse sensitive quality indicators in electronic record systems. Her leadership skills are an example to us all and continue to make me proud to be a member of the American Nurse Association.

The continuing education programs concluded with two more excellent breakout sessions. Regie Thompson, RN, CNRN, MHCA presented Glass Half Empty: Caregiver Burnout and Compassion Fatigue Impact on Patient Safety. Regis spoke on the emotional and physical consequences of working with persons who are in life-altering situations. Regie makes the very salient point that we have an ethical obligation to ourselves to preserve our integrity and safety which includes taking action to intervene when we note the signs and symptoms of compassion fatigue. Ms. Thompson also spoke with participants about how to maintain an internal source of resilience and strength to prevent compassion fatigue from impacting patient care.

Gail Finley, Vice President for the Colorado Hospital Association, Rural Health and Regulatory Policy presented Opportunities and Challenges for Colorado Nurses. She used a case study approach based on an actual situation in Colorado to demonstrate the power of strategic alliances, using relentless forward motion, and out of the box thinking to influence public policy. Ms. Finley provided us with specific tools and suggestions for managing our message as well as nonverbal behavior when involved in contentious discussions. The group discussed potential upcoming legislation that will benefit from a concerted approach with consistent messaging among a variety of stakeholders to advance the profession of nursing and improve health care for all.

Thanks again to all who made the continuing education portion of the meeting possible. Elsewhere you will find detailed information about the Awards Luncheon and business meeting. The Awards luncheon included recognition for all of the DNA presidents, the outgoing BOD members and a special recognition for Nora Flucke, Paula Stearns and Colleen Casper. This special recognition was for their behind the scenes work in 2013 and 2014 to re-organize the association’s infrastructure, decrease overhead costs and to make a plan to increase revenue for the Association. See you on September 25-26, 2015 for our Third Annual Membership Assembly!

Nurses Leading the Way continued from page 9


Eve Hoygaard; Marion Thornton; and Aimee Doman. Marion has been on the BOD in various capacities for a number of years and continues to serve as a C.N.A. representative on the Nurse Physician Advisory Task Force for Colorado Healthcare (NPATCH). Eve has served two terms as president of the Association, chairs the Membership Committee, co-edits the Colorado Nurse, and single-handedly coordinates the In Memoriam column, as well as the annual Nightingale remembrance for the American Nurses Association. Aimee made important contributions to the BOD work, particularly when discussing the issues of the direct care nurse and the concerns of DNA’s not located in metropolitan Denver. The Association is sustained by dedicated volunteers. Aimee, Eve and Marion will continue to be important to our future.

The association will be focused this year on active work between and among Colorado nursing organizations. All nurses need to be informed about nursing and healthcare issues. We must be a visible and verbal presence at legislative, regulatory and policy tables. Nurses and those we care for require us to work not just our 8, 10 or 12 hour shift to provide care. We also have a responsibility to be actively engaged with our legislators, policy makers and other governmental officials to improve access to care and to support the practice of professional nursing. We must start to remove regulatory barriers that handcuff our workforce, increase the cost of nursing care, primary care and specialty care provided in all settings by registered nurses and advanced practice nurses. Belonging to the Colorado Nurses Association supports this advocacy since your dues dollars pay for the time and talent of our Executive Director who is a registered nurse as well as a professional lobbyist. They will be at the policy tables advocating for you when you are work, with your families and taking care of yourselves.

Dr. Marla Weston, Ph.D., RN, FAAN, presented our Keynote Address this year: Nurses Leading the Way: The Power of Professional Associations. Dr. Weston provided us with an inspiring and dynamic presentation about the benefits of belonging to a professional association “people banded together with a common agenda.” She used case examples specific to ANA’s recent comprehensive response to the regarding the Ebola crisis in West Africa as well as the transmission of this virus to two nurses in Dallas TX. Dr. Weston noted that in the United States, it is clear that Ebola will be a disease of health care workers and that ANA is going to continue to insist that registered nurses have appropriate knowledge, protocols and equipment to safely and appropriately care for individuals who are infected with this illness. I strongly urge you to regularly check the www.nursingworld.org (ANA) and www.coloradonurses.org (CNA) websites for the most current information about the current science about how to identify the signs and symptoms of Ebola and how to safely treat persons who are infected with this virus.

If you are a member of the Association, thank you for your membership. I hope to see you at an event, a meeting, at the legislature or at a policy table in the near future. If you have questions about how to join, please visit our website or the ANA website or e-mail the association at [email protected]. Please share your time, talent and voice to advocate for all registered nurses in Colorado. Thank you.

THE FIFTHTEENTH ANNUALLEGISLATIVE CONNECTION DINNER

SPONSORED BY DISTRICT 16 NURSES ASSOCIATIONand The PUBLIC HEALTH NURSING ASSOCIATION of COLORADO

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4, 2015SCOTTISH RITE MASONIC CENTER

1370 Grant St., Denver, CO 80203

5:00 PM Registration and Wine Reception5:25 PM Welcome and Introductions5:30 PM Dinner and Open Discussion6:30 PM Program 2015 Health Care Issues7:45 PM Closing

Registration for this event will be available starting in Dec 2014** Deadline for registration will be Friday, Feb. 27, 2015**Questions? Call Nan Morgan @ 303-788-6685 or email: [email protected]

President’s Message continued from page 1

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Friends of Nursing History and Update

For those of you not familiar with the Friends of Nursing (FON) it is a single purpose organization that provides scholarships to students enrolled in Colorado baccalaureate and higher degree schools of nursing. Friends of Nursing of the University of Denver was founded in 1981 as a non-profit group to support nursing students at the University and when the nursing program there was phased out in 1985 the organization was renamed Friends of Nursing and its scope broadened to embrace colleges and universities throughout Colorado. The co-founders of Friends of Nursing were Greta Pollard and Janet Pirkey. Since its inception FON has awarded more than one and a quarter million dollars in scholarships.

Currently there are nine approved programs whose students are eligible to apply: Adams State University, Colorado Christian University, Colorado Mesa University, Colorado State University-Pueblo, Metropolitan State University of Denver, Regis University/Loretto Heights School of Nursing, University of Colorado at

Colorado Springs/Beth-El School of Nursing, University of Colorado Denver College of Nursing, and University of Northern Colorado. Last year 26 students were awarded a total of $72,500 in scholarships. As a 501 (c)3 organization, all scholarships are funded by donations including memorial gifts, fund raising by members, and earnings on endowed funds. Donations are always welcome. The FON is a member organization made up of community volunteers and there is no paid staff. If you wish to learn more about the organization and view a list of current Board members, please visit our web site. www.thefon.org FON newsletters, applications for membership, donation information and notices of events are on the site, also

The annual application for scholarships is made online and you can learn more about this process at the web site. Applications for this year closed on October 30 and scholarships will be presented at the Annual Spring Luncheon on April 18, 2015 at Lakewood Country Club. The annual holiday fundraiser will be held on December 12, 2014 at Valley Country Club. If you are not on our mailing list, you can receive an invitation to these events by contacting us via our website or emailing me. Juanita Tate, President ([email protected])

Health Policy Director Boosts Coverage, Wellness Under

Affordable Care Act

by Melissa Knopper

On the north side of town, along Federal Boulevard near I-25, Denver has a food desert. In other words, low-income residents in the area have few places to shop for healthy meals. A group of health professors, housing developers and sustainable agriculture experts are teaming up to help this neighborhood.

Susan E. Birch, RN, BSN, MBA, executive director of the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing, applauded this collaborative project, called Cultivate Health, in her keynote presentation at Regis University’s Sept. 19 Summit for Health Care Professionals.

The $1 million Cultivate Health grant (funded by the Colorado Health Foundation) embodies the innovative vision her department wants to spread across Colorado. It brings together everything residents need for optimal health: affordable housing, walking paths that prevent obesity, a pay-as-you can farmer’s market and community health services provided by students from Regis University’s Rueckert-Hartman College for Health Professions.

Studies show that treating a patient’s physical health only meets about 10 percent of that person’s total needs for well being, Birch said. Colorado state health officials aim to achieve the same goal as Regis, on a broader scale. With Birch in the driver seat, they want to provide integrated care, with physical, behavioral and mental health under the same roof – a structure they call the primary-care home.

In 2013, Gov. John Hickenlooper gave a “State of Health” address, setting an ambitious goal of making Colorado the healthiest state in the nation. He chose Birch as a qualified leader to carry out his mission.

In her previous position as CEO of the Northwest Colorado Visiting Nurse Association in Steamboat Springs, Birch expanded rural health services, including primary care, hospice, home health, public health and geriatric programs. Her team used a nurse-led integrated community health services model. Birch has also done extensive mission work in Africa.

During her Regis speech, Birch joked that Montana recently stole Colorado’s title as thinnest state in the nation. But she proudly pointed out that since the Affordable Care Act took effect in 2010, Colorado has been a leader in reducing the number of uninsured. Currently, 17-percent of all Colorado residents have health coverage, which places our state 5th in the nation.

“We want to improve to become the healthiest state in the nation, move from “sick care” to wellness and prevention,” Birch said. “Coverage is a critical first step in achieving a healthier Colorado.”

Currently, the state has seven Regional Care Collaborative Organizations (RCCO), which coordinate Medicaid services to deliver more effective care while reducing costs. Progress is already underway with improvements such as expanded dental plans for Medicaid patients. With physician shortages in rural areas, Colorado is turning to telehealth, which uses technology to connect clinicians from remote clinics to specialists in larger urban areas. Sophisticated information technology will ensure that future changes are evidence-based. Birch acknowledged her plans are ambitious and challenging, but worth the effort.

“Right now our health care system is inefficient and expensive,” Birch said. “Often times we focus on treating one condition instead of focusing on the whole person – research shows focusing on whole person care leads to better health outcomes.”

Melissa Knopper, BA, MS, CNA is currently enrolled in the Regis University CHOICE BSN Program. She has 15 years of previous experience in journalism. Contact: [email protected]

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GREAT CARE CAN BE TAUGHT. LEAD THE WAY.Join a leader in Nursing Education! For more than 30 years, Concorde Career Colleges, Inc. has prepared thousands of people for rewarding careers in healthcare. Our goal is to concentrate instruction on developing high-demand job capabilities.

Concorde Nursing Programs in Denver are growing and changing!

We are seeking Nursing Instructors to be responsible for delivering academic instruction for clinical and/or theory components of Practical Nursing or Associate’s Degree in Nursing programs. Reporting to the Director of Nursing this position works collaboratively with other faculty to develop instructional materials, modules and testing materials at an appropriate level for the program. We seek candidates with a Master’s Degree in Nursing and a minimum of 4 years varied experience in a clinical setting. Candidates must have a valid Colorado nursing license or be willing to obtain. Previous teaching experience preferred but not necessary. The ideal candidate will be a self-starter with excellent communication skills, demonstrate a sense of urgency and are results oriented.

We offer a variety of solutions to your availability; full-time, part-time, adjunct and seasonal contract!

For more information about these opportunities and to apply, visit www.concordenursingjobs.com EOE/M/F/D/V

Centennial Peaks Hospital is a 72 bed facility located in beautiful Louisville, CO. We are dedicated to providing a full range of mental health and chemical dependency services to the state of Colorado. We strive to enhance the mental health, safety and well-being of our patients, their families, and the community at large. We provide ethical, compassionate, medically and psychologically integrated inpatient and intensive outpatient treatment for psychiatric and addiction disorders.

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Interested applicants please visit our website and apply online today!

Centennial Peaks Hospital is owned, managed and operated by a subsid-iary of Universal Health Services, Inc., one of the largest providers of high-quality healthcare in the nation.

Centennial Peaks Hospital has been accredited by Joint Commission and is licensed by the State of Colorado’s Department of Health.

Dean of the Loretto Heights School of Nursing, Regis University, Denver

Regis University invites applications from dynamic individuals for the position of Dean of the Loretto Heights School of Nursing, one of three schools and two divisions that make up the Rueckert-Hartman College for Health Professions. The successful candidate will be a forward-minded leader who will embrace our multi-faceted programs, inspire and develop faculty leaders and build collaborative relationships throughout the College, University, and external community. Earned doctorate in a nursing related field required.

Direct questions to Dr. Karen LeDuc, Associate Professor Loretto Heights School of Nursing at 303-458-4338 or [email protected]. Apply for the position online at https://jobs.regis.edu


Nurses in the News

Every year the Colorado Rockies honors an accomplished Hispanic leader from Colorado as part of their Hispanic Heritage Celebration. This year, the Rockies accept nominations and select four finalist to honor each with their own pre-game celebration. Two nurses were among the finalists! On Saturday September 20, 2014, Laura Doanes BSN, RN, was recognized as the Adult Hispanic Leader for 2014.

Laura is currently a Nurse Team Manager at Clinica Family Health Services. She immigrated to the United States when she was 25 years old, after a childhood full of struggle in Mexico City, and she worked tirelessly to learn English and get an education. She learned first-hand the opportunities education affords, and early on, she was inspired to pursue nursing as a way to help others just like her to seek out the services they need to lead healthy and happy lives. Laura uses her skills as a nurse to help people outside of her workplace as well. As a student, she was elected and served as Secretary for the Colorado Student Nurses Association, tasked with providing a voice for Hispanic nurses and increasing awareness of medical needs for the Hispanic population. She currently volunteers for the Juan Diego Parish Health Fair, as a tutor for Hispanic nursing students, and as a mentor for Hispanic teenage girls at DPS’s Florence Crittenton School.

Laura is actively involved in her church and started a volunteer care network to help members of her congregation in need of home care, and is especially valuable as the only bilingual nurse at the church. Stemming from her own love of the outdoors, she leads a weekly hiking group on

the weekends that incorporates health-related discussions around topics that are relevant to the group. Laura has a passion for educating people in the community and making them aware of what they can do for themselves and their families, just as she has done for herself and her family.

Congratulations Laura Doanes, BSN, RN – Colorado Rockies 2014 Adult Hispanic Leader of the Year!

As a community partner since 1922, Cedar Springs Hospital was the first free standing psychiatric

hospital dedicated to the provision of specialized behavioral health

care in the Rocky Mountain Region.

We continue to serve the needs of our community in a caring

nurturing atmosphere that respects the tremendous courage it takes

for someone to ask for help.

Cedar Springs Hospital in Colorado Springs provides both Acute

Care and Residential Treatment Behavioral Health (PRTF) services

for individuals of all ages and chemical dependency (substance

abuse) treatment for adults 18 years of age & older.

2135 Southgate Road Colorado Springs, CO 80906719-633-4114 or 1-800-888-1088

www.cedarspringshospital.com

Hiring for FT RNs for night shift and PRN RNs for all shifts.

To apply, visit www.uhsinc.com

• The Inpatient Programs at Cedar Springs provide an accepting,

non-judgmental treatment approach in a specialized environment for those experiencing an acute crisis.

• Women’s Program Cedar Springs Hospital believes that

women experience mental health challenges in a very different way. As such, we offer an inpatient acute stabilization program that caters to a woman’s particular needs.

• Connections A program for children ages 5-12

years of age challenged with attachment disruption and reactive attachment disorder.

• Mountain View Place Psychiatric Residential Treatment for

Children and Adolescents.

• Recovery Zone Military Specific Treatment for

Complex Trauma, Combat Stress & Post Traumatic Stress Program for Adults who have served.

• New Choices Chemical dependency and dual

diagnosis treatment programs.

• The Bridge Adult Partial Hospitalization Program

Colorado Acute Long Term Hospital is a 63-bed hospital in Denver, Colorado, providing high acuity

care for patients requiring intensive medical, nursing, respiratory and therapy services.

Additional RN opportunities available.

For more information call 303-264-6900Apply online at www.lifecare-hospitals.com

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Eve Hoygaard, MS, RN, WHNPVice President, Colorado Nurses Association

The Colorado Nurses Association honors the memory of and acknowledges the work of deceased nurses who lived in, worked in or were educated in Colorado. Sharing theses names of and information about these members of our profession is one way that we do this.

If you have information about a nurse who has passed away that you would like to acknowledge, please provide us with information (including, as available, their full name, city where they lived/worked, the school where they obtained their nursing education/date of graduation and/or area of practice) to Eve Hoygaard ([email protected]). We reserve the right to edit material submitted and endeavor to verify all information included in this column. If an error is noted, please advise us and a correction will be published. Your assistance will be greatly appreciated.

We honor the following nurses...

Astuno, Ruth, RN, Died in August at age 88. She was a graduate of Children’s Hospital School of Nursing, Denver and also completed a Masters in Education of Disabled Children. She was a founder of the Homebound Teaching Program. As a nurse at Children’s, she worked with many child polio patients in iron lungs.

Claiborne, Ellen, RN, Ms. Claiborne died in August 2014. From the University of Colorado, she received a BA Psychology in 1975, a BSN in 1977 and a MSN (Midwifery) in 1989. Ellen was Faculty at the University of Colorado Denver School of Nursing prior to 1998 when she helped establish Aurora Nurse Midwives. In 2000, Ms. Claiborne was recipient of the Nightingale Award. She was well known for her community volunteer work.

Elzi, Donna Lynn, RN, (56) died in August 2014. She worked as a nurse.

Gaskin, Darlene, RN, died in September 2014. She was a 1953 BSN graduate of the University of Colorado School of Nursing. She was a long

time member of ANA/CNA/DNA-23. For much of her 45 year nursing career, she practiced in Long Term Care.

Grant, Rosemary Davis, RN, Lt. USNR, a former Denver resident, died in August 2014.

Harper, Dorothy LaVon, RN, died in May 2014 at age 92. A 1944 graduate of St. Francis School of Nursing in Grand Island Nebraska, she worked at Mary Lanning Memorial Hospital in Hastings Nebraska and later in the Newborn Nursery at St. Francis Hospital from 1958 until she retired in the late 1980’s. She was known as a loving and compassionate woman.

Lauer, Rosemary, RN, was a graduate of Red Rocks Community College , and was a visiting nurse for 20 years. She also served in the United States Air Force.

Norris, L. Joyce, RN, Ms. Norris started her 50 year career as a RN following her 1953 graduation from the Maine School of Nursing.

Oestereicher, Patricia Ann Cooke, RN, (80)was a graduate of Mercy Hospital School of Nursing in Denver CO in 1952. Her entire (39 year) nursing career was spent at at Mercy Hospital in Denver and she retired in 1994. She was honored by her peers as the Mercy Nurse of the Year twice.

Reveille, Sharon, RN, was a 1984 BSN graduate of the University of Colorado School of Nursing in Denver. She worked at the Denver VA Hospital

Schoffstall, Carole, RN, MS, dean emerita of Beth El College of Nursing and Health Sciences, (75) died in Colorado Springs in July 2014. She served as dean of the Beth-El College of Nursing before and after its merger with the University of Colorado Colorado Springs. Her association with Beth-El began in 1974 and she was dean from 1990 until her 2008 retirement. She received her MS in Nursing from the University of Colorado Denver School of Nursing in 1975. In 2010, she was honored to receive the Florence Nightingale Human Caring award by the Colorado Nurses Foundation.

Steelmon, Sarah, RN, died in September 2014 at age 90. She was a proud veteran of the United States Army. She was remembered for her compassionate caring.

In Memory

Denver School of Nursing is seeking qualified full-time and part-time didactic nursing faculty. DSN is a private institution of higher learning dedicated to the preparation of excellent nurses. The college offers adult-focused nursing programs that exemplify the highest standards and educational outcomes, with a focus on students and academic excellence. Emphasis is placed on the values of caring and advocacy of patients, professional accountability, and standards of practice. Both faculty and students reflect these attributes when serving the needs of the community in their respective roles.

DSN is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).

Qualified nursing faculty requirements include: • a graduate degree in nursing from an accredited institution; doctorate preferred• a minimum of one (1) year of recent teaching experience in area of specialty• a minimum of two (2) years of clinical experience as a registered nurse• a current unencumbered Colorado license as a registered nurse

Additional requirements and job information may be found at www.edaff.com. Interested candidates should click on the Careers tab and search by Keywords, State (Colorado), City (Denver). Select the position of interest to review the criteria. To apply, click “Apply Now.”

We are a traditional co-ed, residential, summer camp in beautiful North East Pennsylvania.

We are hiring Patient, Fun, Energetic and Flexible RNs for summer 2015.

We offer a beautiful setting, great staff community and an 8 week experience of a lifetime.

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IHC – Celebrating 75 years!

MAINE – SUMMERNURSE JOBS!

Premier coed Maine camp seeks Nurse Manager, Charge Nurses, RNs, LPNs.

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RN: CAMP NURSEGENEVA GLEN CAMP in INDIAN HILLS, Colorado, needs a CAMP NURSE for the 2015 Summer: June 7-August 15. GENEVA GLEN has an excellent reputation and rich heritage. ACA accredited. Compensation includes $6,000 salary, travel allowance of $300, insurance, room and board, beautiful new health center facility, participation in camp life including horseback riding, swimming, hiking—ideal Colorado climate, healthful working environment (Indian Hills is near Red Rocks). Nurse graduates welcome! Contact: Ken or Nancy Atkinson, Directors, P.O. Box 248, Indian Hills, CO 80454, (303) 697-4621. Email: [email protected]. Apply online at www.genevaglen.org

camp nurse position. Come spend a rewarding summer as a camp nurse at Cheley Colorado Camps in the beautiful Rocky Mountains of Estes Park, CO. Dates are June 7th-Aug 10th. Benefits include room and board, wages, travel stipend, camperships, and crisp mountain air.

Call us 1-800-campFun, or visit our website at www.cheley.com to apply online.

Camp Nurses Needed!

Celebrating National Home Care Month & our

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Registered Nurse (RN) Education and Certification:RN degree (ASN minimum) from an accredited college or nursing school; current RN licensure within the state of practice; CPR certification required.

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Customer Service: Treats all residents, families, co-workers, inquiries, referral sources and supervisors with dignity and respect and takes initiative to exceed customer expectations.

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Crisis Stabilization Nurse

Community Reach Center is opening a new 24-7 Crisis Stabilization Unit in north Denver, and seeking nurses to work 12-hour shifts providing crisis services to clients. Our nurses help assess clients, administer injections and medications, perform medical and psychiatric screening,determine the level of care needed, assist with discharge planning, and document to electronic health records.

The Community Reach Center is a partner in Community Crisis Connection (CCC), a private organization comprised of 6 non-profit behavioral health agencies serving the Denver area, created by the Colorado state legislature, to make crisis care readily accessible for all individuals. Services include crisis stabilization units, walk-in crisis centers, crisis respite and residential care, and mobile crisis services.

Community Reach Center offers a supportive environment, excellent training opportunities, and an outstanding benefits package, including a very generous PTO plan, medical insurance, health savings accounts, dental, vision, mail-order prescriptions, vision, employer paid short and long-term disability insurance, employer matching 401(k), EAP, and flex spending accounts.Apply directly at: http://ch.tbe.taleo.net/CH07/ats/careers/requisition.

jsp?org=REACHCENTER&cws=1&rid=21

Don Vickers, Recruiter 303.853.3813 No Agencies Please

www.communityreachcenter.orgCommunity Reach Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity


Nurse-Physician Advisory Taskforce for Colorado Healthcare (NPATCH)

The Nurse-Physician Advisory Taskforce for Colorado Healthcare (NPATCH) focused its Summer and Early Fall activities on developing recommendations regarding the current requirements for advance practice nurses seeking independent prescriptive authority. Since January, NPATCH has researched and analyzed many aspects of this important issue. The Taskforce developed a strategic workplan in the Spring that identified barriers currently affecting APNs, both new graduates and those with more experience. By identifying and addressing the barriers individually, the NPATCH methodically considered each issue and developed recommendations based on both qualitative and quantitative data. Barriers include, but are not limited to, the roles and responsibilities of mentors and preceptors, qualifications, education and experience of new graduates, employment opportunities, access to liability insurance, administrative challenges for applicants, and outreach required to educate on existing requirements.

During their monthly meetings, Taskforce members heard a variety of presentations as well as public testimony from healthcare organizations, advocacy groups and private citizens. Additional outreach was done to ensure all voices were heard and included as part of the deliberations. Through extensive outreach, stakeholder involvement, research and collaborative efforts, the NPATCH discussions, research and analysis was a more comprehensive process. The NPATCH hopes to provide final recommendations to the Executive Director of the Department of Regulatory Agencies in the coming weeks.

As it wraps up 2014, the NPATCH will see several members complete their terms and return to their day jobs. Mary Ciambelli is one of those who will be leaving. She co-chaired the Task-Force over the past year, helping the group navigate through some of the most challenging discussions it has had to date. Her nursing expertise and commitment to her profession will be missed.

NPATCH is housed in the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies. The purpose of NPATCH is to promote public safety and improve healthcare in Colorado by supporting collaboration and communication between the practices of nursing and medicine, and addressing issues of mutual concern at the interface of these practices.

CNA Save the Date February 19, 2015 Interdisciplinary Collaboration

for the Improvement of Patient Outcomes Event ... see individual listing on page 8, District 16 News for more details/list of the multiple sponsors including CNA.

March 4, 2015 Fifteenth Annual Legislative Connection Dinner ... see individual listing on page 13 for more details /CNA-DNA 16 and Public Health Nursing Association of Colorado.

April 24, 2014 DNA-20 Scholarship Fundraiser “42nd” Street at Lakewood Cultural Center. Sponsored by CNA-DNA-20

May 8, 2015 Celebrate Nurses Week with Nurses Night at the Rockies! Sponsored by CNA-DNA 16

May 9, 2015 Thirtieth Annual Nightingale Event sponsored by the Colorado Nurses Foundation ... see individual listing on page 15 for more details

September 25-26, 2015 Colorado Nurses Association Third AnnualCNA Membership Assembly/Annual Business Meeting

including Continuing Education and Networking.

For additional information including contact person for these events, please visit the Colorado Nurses Association website at www.coloradonrses.org or call 303-597-0128.

Find out what we’re doing to support caregivers

at aarp.org/caregiving.

Paid for by AARP

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loved one is

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use a little help.

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Be a part of our legacy of care.A Century Strong.

1024 Central Park DriveSteamboat Springs, CO 80487

YampaValleyMedicalCenterisacommunitynot-for-profit,regionalhospitallocated in the ski town of Steamboat Springs, CO with 39 inpatient beds, a Level IV trauma center and a Level II Nursery.

YampaValleyMedicalCenteroffersavariety of career opportunities including:

• OR RN (Per Diem) • OB RN (FT & PD)• Med Surg (PD) • Medical Technologist

Check our website www.yvmc.org for additional nursing opportunities.

We offer a comprehensive benefit package with RELOCATION ALLOWANCE and a healthy working environment. The entire family will enjoy our small-town lifestyle, world-class ski resort, recreational and

cultural activities and scenic splendor in the spectacular Rocky Mountains.

YVMC is a drug free workplace and applicants must pass a pre-employment drug screen.

EOE

To apply call: 970-870-1112Fax: 970-871-2337

email: [email protected]


Speaking out to legislators is one of the most important activities that the Colorado Nurses Association (CNA) performs on behalf of its over 1,500 members. However, advocacy may also be one of the least understood benefits that CNA provides for its members and for nurses throughout the state.

Rather than being just one activity, e.g., lobbying for the passage of a bill that advances workplace safety, scope of practice or access to healthcare —advocacy is an ongoing process that takes many forms and includes many different activities and various groups. And all CNA members are invited (and encouraged) to get involved and participate.

The Colorado General Assembly meets annually from January through May. This year, the first regular session of the Seventieth General Assembly will convene on January 7, 2015.

Monitoring Legislation Leading the way for CNA legislative activities

is the Government Affairs and Public Policy (GAPP) committee. Chaired by Sara Jarrett, RN, CNS, Ed D., and Co-Chaired by David Rodriguez, RN, MSN, FNP, the GAPP committee meets twice per month on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday at the Colorado Nurses Association building in Aurora.

The GAPP committee reviews current bills introduced in the Colorado legislature and drives public policy pertinent to nursing and professional issues. Through its lobbyist, Capitol Success Group, CNA uses formal bill tracking services. In addition there is ongoing monitoring of activities through Colorado businesses, the local lobbying community and health-related think tanks.

Once legislation is identified, GAPP Committee considers the appropriate course of action. This is done with the input of CNA members, and, depending on the issue, the CNA Board may provide input and guidance on the issue. The GAPP Committee has three options:

1. Monitor. Most legislation is monitored to track its progress and to see if there are any major developments that would warrant further action by CNA.

2. Support. This is legislation that CNA determines would benefit nurses, the nursing profession and/or healthcare in Colorado.

3. No Support. This is legislation that CNA determines would not be in the best interest of nurses, the nursing profession and/or healthcare in Colorado.

Currently, GAPP is monitoring the Nurse Practice Act, which requires that after certification, APRNs must complete 3,600 hours with a preceptor for full practice authority. Once the Nurse-Physician Advisory Task Force for Colorado Healthcare (N-PATCH) releases their recommendation, GAPP will consider whether the N-PATCH recommendation is reasonable and appropriate.

Speaking Out to LegislatorsWhat does a legislator know about nursing,

patient care and healthcare? Quite a bit actually, thanks to efforts by CNA and our lobbyists. CNA provides legislators with information regarding key subjects such as healthcare reform and its effects on both Colorado’s nurses and the patients they serve.

CNA also helps to educate elected officials about the important role that Colorado’s nurses play in healthcare reform, their communities and the many ways that state lawmakers can support nurses for a healthier state.

GAPP has supported responsible legislative changes related to Medicaid expansion, behavioral health and civil commitment, and has partnered with the Certified Registered Nurses Anesthetists (CRNA), Colorado Hospital Association and the

Discover How CNA is Advocating and Advancing Nursing, Healthcare and Patient Care

Office of the Governor to assure that, in rural Colorado, CRNA’s can provide services.

Working Together in CoalitionsCNA also has members participating in a

number of state-wide consortiums and task forces dealing with a variety of health care policy issues in behavioral health, dementia care, prescription drug mis-use and abuse, and the Colorado Action Coalition at the Colorado Center for Nursing Excellence to name a few. The association is also working on re-affirming partnerships with our affiliate organizations and building new relationships with other nursing organizations in the state.

Alerts and NotificationsVisit the CNA website for resources and

information on issues and current legislation impacting nurses. For up-to-the-minute news “like” the CNA Facebook page and follow CNA on Twitter.

Results That Improve HealthcareOn November 22, 2014, CNA and our lobbyist

will be providing a post-election review and an opportunity to discuss and plan for the 2015 legislative session.

Each spring, CNA hosts a number of legislative events while the Colorado Legislature is in session, including an annual lobby day for nurses to meet with legislators. And the DNA 16 Annual Legislative Dinner is also a great opportunity for Colorado nurses to meet legislators at a truly bi-partisan and entertaining event.

Working together with members, CNA elected and volunteer leaders represent all registered nurses in Colorado. In partnership with our team of lobbyists and other healthcare organizations we are moving towards Colorado becoming strong together to advance the profession of nursing and improve healthcare for all.

All CNA members are invited to participate in the GAPP committee either in-person or via conference call. The call in number is available by contacting [email protected].

CNA members and all student nurses are also welcome to attend GAPP committee meetings as guests.

If you are not currently a member, add your voice! Membership in the Colorado Nurses Association and the American Nurses Association is just $26.42/month or $311/year. Join online at www.joinANA.org or by phone 1-800-274-4ANA (4262).

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Join the Premier Nursing Faculty in Colorado

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The UNC School of Nursing in beautiful Northern Colorado is currently seeking qualified faculty applications for our nursing programs.

Assistant/Associate Professor of Nursing - Position #F99770 & 99416 (9 Month Tenure Track) PhD in Nursing or closely related field required. Assistant Professor of Nursing - Position #F99929 (9 Month Tenure Track) PhD in Nursing or closely related field required.

Review of applicants to begin immediately and continue until positions are filled. Anticipated Start Date August 17, 2015.

Additional Info and Application:www.unco.edu/nhs/employment


Come Home to a DifferentKind of Nursing Career.

Come Home to a DifferentKind of Nursing Career.

Sunrise Senior Living seeks Nurses in the Denverarea for the following properties:

SunriSe at Flat ironS SunriSe at Boulder

SunriSe at WeStminSter SunriSe at Cherry Creek

SunriSe at orChard SunriSe at PinehurSt

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We offer highly competitive wages & excellent benefits.Please send resume to:

[email protected]

Fax: (866) 950-2974.

Great dayS BeGin With SunriSe.

www.sunriseseniorliving.com/careersEqual Opportunity Employer www.uccs.edu/bees

Beth-El College of Nursing & Health Sciences Extended Studies Offers:Professional Development:

RN-RefresherSANE Education (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner)

Spanish/English Medical Interpreter (online)

Online:Correctional Health • Forensic Nursing

Disaster Public Health • RN-BSNMSN-Nurse Practitioner • MSN-Nursing Education • DNP

Contact:Derek Wilson | [email protected] | 719.255.4651

University of ColoradoBoulder | Colorado Springs | Denver | Anschutz Medical Campus

Accelerate Your Future…Today!

Keefe Memorial Hospital, a progressive rural hospital located on the plains of eastern Colorado, is actively seeking RNs. Nurses are provided with a varied work load, unique to rural nursing (MedSurg, ER, Swing Bed). New grads welcome. We work 12 hour shifts, 7 to 7. Come be part of an outstanding health care team. Contact Sue Kern, RN/DON or Karli Strobel, HR for more information at 719-767-5661, or find us on-line at www.keefememorial.com. EOE

Jerry A. Retherford, JD 1948-2009J. Stephen Mullen, JDLori M. Moore, JDKimberly F.W. DeLine, RN JDMichael A. Watts, JDAnthony D. Moore, JD

www.rmmlawfirm.net

Grace Manor Care Center37-bed SNF: small enough to feel

like home

RN/LPN for 12-hour Day Shift(s)

Relocation assistance to family-friendly Burlington, CO

Call Jodi 719-346-7512 or Cell 719-349-1994

Just Because You Received This Publication, Doesn’t Mean You Are A CNA Member

2851 S. Parker RoadSuite 250

Aurora, CO 80014Fax (303) 757-8833


More than a job, it’s a passion.

Emeritus Senior Living and Brookdale are now one company!

For more than 35 years, Brookdale communities have provided senior living solutions to older persons and their

families. Today we can serve up to 110,000 residents in 47 states with lifestyles and care options for All the places life can

go™. Brookdale communities provide customized solutions for each resident in a variety of community environments that collectively offer a broad continuum of care. This continuum includes Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Skilled Nursing, Continuing Care Retirement Communities,

Home Health, Therapy and Hospice.

We have LPN, RN, and Nurse Management opportunities in Independent Living, Assisted Living,

Memory Care, and Continuing Care Retirement Communities in cities throughout the state of CO.

For more information about career opportunities, visit us at

www.BrookdaleCareers.com

For more information call:Ranae Shrader at 303.556.3668 for RN-BSN Completion

Extended Studies at 303.721.1313 for Intro to Perioperative Nursing

www.msudenver.edu/nursing

Are you looking for a convenient way to advance your career?

The Department of Nursing at Metropolitan State University of

Denver offers a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing for You!

• RN-BSN Degree Completion – At Front Range Community College – At Arapahoe Community College

Designed for students who have graduated from an associate degree or diploma nursing

program and wish to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing.

• Baccalaureate Registered Nurse Completion Option (BRNCO)

• Traditional Nursing Option (TNO)

• INTRODUCTION TO PERIOPERATIVE NURSING

Online modules developed by the Association of PeriOperative Registered Nurses (AORN):

– Registration is limited

http://msudenver.edu/extendedcampus/periop/

cheyenneregional.org

Find your Right FitCheyenne Regional is looking for Registered Nurses who are the Right Fit. At Cheyenne Regional, you’ll work on the front lines of Wyoming healthcare as part of a strong, stable healthcare organization—one with big plans and a clear direction for growth. That means big opportunities for nurses with the right combination of skills, dedication and experience in evidence-based practice. We currently have several RN openings with immediate needs for Resource Pool and Pediatrics.

Cheyenne Regional offers: • Evening and night shift differential

plus additional weekend pay

• Resource Pool RN additional pay of 15% for full- and part-time positions

• Health, dental and vision benefits

• Competitive salary

• Long-term/short-term disability

• Educational assistance

• On-site professional development

• 12-month Nursing Residency Program for new graduate nurses

• Specialty Nursing Fellowship for experienced nurses

If we sound like the right fit foryou, please call Cheyenne Regional at 800-477-4520 to learn more about our career opportunities.

Documents

Colorado Nurses Association President · (CN), a new era begins. The Colorado Nurses Foundation (CNF) will partner with the Colorado Nurses Association to publish the Colorado Nurse