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Vol. 67 • No. 4 December 2011

Circulation 73,000 to all Registered & Licensed Practical Nurses in Louisiana

THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE LOUISIANA STATE NURSES ASSOCIATION

Inside

Inside this issue . . . .

President’s Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

LSNA News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Membership Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Continuing Nursing Education Corner . . .5

LNF Woodard Nursing Scholarships . . . .6

Retirement Celebration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Nightingale Award . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Issues in Nursing Education . . . . . . . . . . .9

Nursing Awards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

District News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Meet Your NEWExecutive Director

Message from the Executive Director

Louisiana Nurses! Hello my name is Rita J . Finn and it is a pleasure and an honor to be the new Executive Director of the Louisiana State Nurses Association . In May of 2012, I will have the good fortune to celebrate my forty-first year of nursing practice . After graduating with a diploma in nursing from St . John’s McNamara School of Nursing in Rapid City, South Dakota, I moved to New Orleans and honed my nursing skills as a staff nurse in the areas of acute and critical care . Continuing my education some years later, I obtain a BSN degree from the University of South Alabama, and a MSN in Health Care Systems Management from Loyola University, New Orleans . Over the past thirty plus years, I have held positions in nursing management and have taught nursing education .

I am excited to begin this new career journey as it will provide me the opportunity to become more aware of factors impacting health care in Louisiana and to work within the Louisiana nursing community . My first priority once settled into the daily routines of the office is to contact each of the district presidents and make arrangements to attend a district meeting . I am looking forward to speaking with nurses from across the state, especially to hear ideas of how best to reach out to and engage every nurse in our state to become

actively involved in their profession through membership in LSNA . What a dynamic voice we can become for nursing and health care in Louisiana when we link our strengths and energies together .

As I begin the work of Executive Director of LSNA, I appreciate that I have big shoes to fill .

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Dr . Joe Ann Clark for her generosity of time, knowledge, and wisdom in facilitating my transition into this new role . Joe Ann will always be considered a cornerstone of LSNA and indeed, an icon of the nursing profession . She has set the bar high, and so I tell her I will try to make her proud .

I would also like to express my gratitude to Dr . Jackie Hill, President of LSNA and the members of the Board of Directors for their assistance and support during this orientation process . And last but not least, a heartfelt thanks to the Carol Cairo, RN and Jennifer Newman, the ladies behind the scenes at the LSNA office, who carry on the work of the organization every day . Thanks to each and every one of you for making me feel so welcome .

Please feel free to contact me any time at rjfinn@lsna .org or at 225-201-0994 .

Rita J. Finn

Important Save the Dates 2012 Nightingale Gala Celebration Saturday, February 25, 2012 Summit (Nominations Due: January 13, 2012) Friday, March 16, 2012

Page 2 • Pelican News December 2011, January, February 2012

Jacqueline J. Hill, PhD, RN

This year has been a year of transition for Louisiana State Nurses Association (LSNA) . In April at LSNA’s House of Delegates, I succeeded Dr . Denise Danna as President . During that time, Dr . Joe Ann Clark announced her retirement as Executive Director (ED) of LSNA . As a tribute to her I’m devoting part of my message to Joe Ann, while also introducing the organization to our new ED, Ms . Rita Finn .

In the last issue of The Pelican News, Dr . Clark thanked all of the individuals she termed as “special people .” On behalf of the LSNA membership, we want Joe Ann to know that she is a special person also . We truly appreciate all the work she has done to make LSNA the great organization it has become . Her legacy and contributions are enduring and will forever be remembered . We wish her the very best in her retirement . Of course anyone who knows Joe Ann knows that she is not going to fully retire .

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www.lsna.org

5713 Superior Drive, Suite A-6Baton Rouge, LA 70816

P: 225-201-0993 F: 225-201-0971www.lsna.org

Board of DirectorsPresident . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . JACQUELINE HILLPresident-Elect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CAROL TINGLEVice President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . DIANE WEBBSecretary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PATRICIA LaBROSSETreasurer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . DEBRA SHELTON

Chairs of Committees and CouncilsResolutions and Bylaws . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . NORLYN HYDEHealth Policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .LISA DEATONContinuing Education . . . . DEBRA SHELTON/NANCY DARLANDMembership . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . VICTORIA JOHNSONWorkplace Advocacy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . DEBORAH FORDClinical Practice Council . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . LESLIE NORMANEducation Council . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .CYNTHIA PRESTHOLDTLeadership/Management Council . . . . . . . . . MELISSA STEWARTResearch/Informatics Council . . . . . . . . SUSAN STEELE-MOSESImmediate Past President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .DENISE DANNAStudent Representative . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BRYAN CAMUS

District Presidents01 Alexandria. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . STACY MAYEUX02 Baton Rouge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CYNTHIA YORK03 Northshore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MARILYN SULLIVAN04 Lafayette . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . JARED AUCOIN05 Lake Charles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ANETHA CRAFT06 Monroe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . EMILY DOUGHTY07 New Orleans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MARIE ADORNO08 Ruston . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BETH FIFE09 Winnfield . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . VACANT10 Shreveport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PAM HOLCOMBE11 Tangipahoa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CHARLES DYKES12 Bayou. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . LINDA SONGY13 Feliciana . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . VACANT

LSNA OFFICE STAFFMonday-Friday

(8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.)

Executive DirectorRita J. Finn, RN, MSN

rjfinn@lsna.org

Program Coordinator Office Coordinator/CE Coordinator Carol Cairo, RN Jennifer Newman ccairo@lsna.org lsna@lsna.org

Article Submission• SubjecttoeditingbytheLSNAExecutiveDirector• Mustbeintheformofanelectronicsubmission

• Email:SubjectLine:PelicanNewsSubmisson:Nameof

theArticle• Mustincludethenameoftheauthor.• LSNAreservestherighttopulloreditanyarticle/news

submission for space and availability and/or deadlines.• Notificationwillbegiventoauthorsoncethefinal draftofthe

Pelicanhasbeensubmitted.• LSNAdoesnotacceptmonetarypaymentforarticles.

Articlesubmissions,deadlineinformationandallotherinquiriesregarding Pelican News please email: Managing Editor: Jennifer Newman @ lsna@lsna.org

Advertising

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, sales@aldpub.com. LSNA 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 Louisiana State Nurses Association 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. LSNA 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 LSNA or those of the national or local associations.

Louisiana Pelican News is published quarterly every March, June, September and December and is the official publication of the Louisiana State Nurses Association, a constituent member of the American Nurses Association.

LSNA President’s Message

Jacqueline J. Hill

Since her retirement as ED, she has already joined LSNA’s Program Committee . What an example of commitment to the profession . So, as Dr . Clark passes the baton to her successor, Ms . Rita Finn, it is my hope that she also passes along the love and admiration she has for LSNA .

As we move on to the next era, it is with great pleasure that I introduce LSNA’s new Executive Director, Rita Finn . Rita comes to us by way of New Orleans i .e ., Hurricane Katrina . Little did she know that the move to Baton Rouge would ultimately result in her being selected by LSNA’s Board of Directors to be its ED . Rita’s nursing career spans 40 years, with the majority of her work experience being in the area of management . Her nursing education journey started at the diploma level and eventually led her to pursue a Bachelors of Science in Nursing and a Master of Science in Nursing degree in Healthcare Systems Management .

Rita has some great ideas in advancing the organization . One of those areas is membership growth . She is motivated, confident and excited about moving the organization forward . Please join me in thanking Joe Ann for her contributions, while also welcoming Rita to the LSNA family as Executive Director . As usual, I welcome your comments and feedback . Please feel free to contact me at jackiejhill@cox .net if you have any ideas, questions, or concerns .

Parish Internal Medicine Associates Successfully Attests To Meaningful Use of Electronic Health Records

Baton Rouge, LA – Sept . 16, 2011 – The Louisiana Health Information Technology (LHIT) Resource Center announced that Parish Internal Medicine Associates of Destrehan, La ., became the first practice working with the Resource Center to attest to meaningful use of electronic health records (EHRs) and qualify for federal funds through the Medicare EHR Incentive Program .

“We’re very proud of Parish Internal Medicine Associates for meeting meaningful use criteria and completing the attestation process,” commented Nadine Robin, Program Manager for the LHIT Resource Center, which serves as the Regional Extension Center for Louisiana . “The LHIT Resource Center team is committed to providing education, outreach and technical support to physicians and hospitals as they adopt and meaningfully use EHRs to improve the quality and value of health care for Louisiana residents,” she added .

Since launching the practice in 2004, Kiran Chava, MD, has been mindful of physicians’ concerns about implementation and use of a certified EHR system . “I began the conversion from paper to EHRs in anticipation that this was the direction clinical practices were heading . The implementation began with one to three patients a day . This gave me the time and support that I needed from my staff to make the transition, and I’ve already seen my practice become more efficient,” said Dr . Chava .

“Working with the LHIT Resource Center team was unbelievably valuable for us . My office manager and the Resource Center specialist worked together with our SuccessEHS representative so that we could successfully achieve meaningful use . What we did in an afternoon probably would’ve taken several weeks for us to do alone,” Dr . Chava explained .

“Dr . Chava and his staff at Parish Internal Medicine have demonstrated their continued commitment to providing high quality care for patients by successfully attesting to Medicare for Meaningful Use, said Tina Graham, Chief Operations Officer for SuccessEHS . “We are honored to partner with them, as well as with the LHIT

Resource Center, and will continue to support their efforts as Meaningful Use programs evolve .”

“On behalf of the Quality Forum, I’d like to congratulate Dr . Chava and his office staff for reaching this milestone,” said Brenda Ikerd, Director of Health Information Technology . “This achievement is a direct result of their hard work and dedication to providing higher quality and safer care for their patients .”

The LHIT Resource Center, administered by the Louisiana Health Care Quality Forum, is one of 62 regional extension centers in the country established through the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act . The HITECH ACT authorized the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid

Services to provide reimbursement incentives to physicians and hospitals who demonstrate meaningful use of certified EHR technology . Medicare incentives can provide up to $44,000 per provider over five years, and Medicaid incentives up to $63,750 per provider over six years .

Services provided by the LHIT Resource Center include EHR vendor selection, project management, practice and workflow redesign and meaningful use achievement . For more information about LHIT Resource Center support as well as the benefits of EHRs for

providers, patients and the medical community, please visit www .lhcqf .org or e-mail rec@lhcqf .org .

About the Louisiana Health Care Quality ForumThe Louisiana Health Care Quality Forum is a private,

not-for-profit organization, dedicated to advancing evidence-based, collaborative initiatives to improve the health of Louisiana citizens . Its main areas of focus include quality measurement, clinical quality improvement, the patient-centered medical home, outreach/education and health information technology . The Quality Forum serves as the State-Designed Entity to lead the planning and implementation of health information technology grants contained in the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act/American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 .

Kiran Chava, MD

December 2011, January, February 2012 Pelican News • Page 3

Message from Secretary of DHHFrom Secretary Bruce Greenstein…

I recently recognized my one year anniversary as Louisiana’s health secretary, a role that has proved to be both the most challenging and rewarding of my career . From my discussions with people throughout the state, I have recognized that Louisiana has both steep challenges to overcome and incredible potential to do so . There has never been a more aggressive agenda to transform the way we deliver, measure and manage health care in our state . We’ve gone all-in, and below are just a few big bets we’ve made in our bid to bring Louisiana into the top half of national health rankings .

In February, we will go-live with the most significant

Bruce Greenstein

reform of our state’s Medicaid program in history through the introduction of Coordinated Care Networks (CCNs) . CCNs are designed to stem the downward spiral of perverse incentives that reward volume over value—sacrificing quality for the sake of quantity . Our number one objective: improve health outcomes . We will measure the success of this program by our ability to change behaviors, improve outcomes and lower costs—and CCNs will be held accountable for their results .

We’ve worked hard to build consensus around many issues that we face . But no matter where I go there is one thing that everyone agrees on: the way we deliver care for mental health and addictive disorders is broken . Next fall, we will launch the Louisiana Behavioral Health Partnership (LBHP) to improve coordination and access to care with a single statewide managing organization . Our residents, including the uninsured, will have 24/7 access to a system that brings all parts of our behavioral health system together in one place and with more options for

services in the community . As part of this partnership, DHH is working jointly with three other state agencies to implement a Coordinated System of Care (CSoC) for youth with significant behavioral needs to ensure that children and families receive one plan of care that more effectively organizes resources and better leverages state funding .

In New Orleans, we’ve worked with local and federal officials to sustain a network of primary and behavioral health care clinics that emerged in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina . The Greater New Orleans Community Health Connections (GNOCHC) initiative consists of 25 organizations, including 87 clinics, working collaborative to provide a unique, high quality, efficient, community-based primary care and mental health delivery system . This innovative model can and will serve as an example for the rest of the state and country as we look to expand access to integrated community-based primary care settings .

We also recognize the importance of using technology as a tool for improving health outcomes . The expansion of Health Information Technology through multiple projects like the Louisiana Health Information Exchange (LaHIE), the Louisiana Health Information Technology Resource Center, the Crescent City Beacon Community and the Medicaid EHR Incentive Program will bridge communication across delivery silos and improve efficiency and effectiveness of care . Additionally, Louisiana is on track to replace the decades-old Medicaid Management Information System (MMIS) with an innovative, web-based MMIS system that impacts over 32,000 health care providers and 1 .2 million Medicaid enrollees . This will vastly improve our ability to manage the complex Medicaid program .

If there is one theme that emerges through each of these priorities, it is that we are focused on delivering health care in a smarter, more coordinated manner . Whether you’re working in a primary care office, as a case manager, or conducting utilization review, Louisiana nurses play critical roles in all of these transformations . I strongly encourage you to learn more about these initiatives and more by reading DHH’s business plan at www .dhh .la .gov . We will only move our state out of and beyond 49th place by working together toward common goals for a healthier Louisiana .

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Page 4 • Pelican News December 2011, January, February 2012

LSNA NewsLSNA is Proud to Announce

Our First Affiliate Organization Member

LSNA has received the first application of Affiliate Organization Membership! The Louisiana School Nurses Organization has joined and we welcome them . This organization was one of the founding members of the Louisiana Alliance of Nursing Organizations (LANO) and they have been an active component of that organization since it was begun back in the early 1990s . In 2010, the LANO Board of Directors decided to disband because of decreased participation from its members and to petition the LSNA Board of Directors to develop an Affiliate Organization membership status which would allow other nursing organizations to join and take advantage of services and opportunities that LSNA offers . According to the membership agreement, each Organizational Affiliate has the right to:

• Have one member as a delegate at the LSNA House of Delegates biennial convention,

• Make informational reports or presentations to the LSNA Board of Directors or House of Delegates within the organizational affiliate’s expertise,

• Submit to LSNA the names of representatives qualified for appointment to ad hoc groups, task forces and/or committees,

• Supply a list of members to LSNA to invite to workshops and meetings,

• Submit information to be disseminated to members via electronic or print medic,

• Receive a reduced rate for exhibit space at the LSNA House of Delegates and “Link to the Legislature,”

• Collaborate with LSNA on legislative issues,• Receive a free link to Affiliate’s existing website,• Receive a copy of LSNA member communications.

Membership fees area based upon the number of members in each organization . (See membership application) Organizations which were members of LAnO receive the first year’s membership free!

If you are a member of a nursing Specialty Organization—please consider joining. this type of membership, while it does not provide LSnA membership for the individual members of each organization, does provide a method for nursing organizations in Louisiana to join together in addressing nursing issues and to promote unity within the nursing community.

Please see the adjoined Organizational Affiliate Membership Application!

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December 2011, January, February 2012 Pelican News • Page 5

LSNA NewsCONTINUING NURSING EDUCATIONORNER

LSNA Granted ANCC Accreditation As An

Approver Of Continuing Nursing Education

The LSNA Continuing Nursing Education Self-Study Committee is pleased to announce that accreditation as an approver of continuing nursing education has been granted by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation (COA) for four years, through November 2015 . Thanks and appreciation is extended to LSNA members who served on the self-study committee, Peggy Belk, Carol Cairo, Dr . Joe Ann Clark, Nancy Darland, Patricia Labrosse, Dr . Debra Shelton, and Diane Webb. ANCC-COA had several recommendations that necessitated revisions to the individual activity and approved provider forms and applications . The revised forms are available on the LSNA website . Individuals submitting applications for Individual Educational Activities or Organizations submitting applications to become an approved provider, or to continue as one, should use these forms which were revised in October 2011 .

Several LSNA members answered the call to serve as a volunteer reviewer on the LSNA continuing education committee . Luanne Billingsley, Gena Enriques, Rebecca Harrell, Debbie Hickman, Richard LeBlanc, and Dr . Barbara Moffett are welcomed to the LSNA CE committee . These individuals will serve as Nurse Reviewers for Individual Activities . Three members have moved to Provider Approval and will be Nurse Reviewers; they are Kim Cheramie, Patricia LaBrosse, and Denise Linton .

The criteria/standards accepted and used by the Louisiana State Nurses Association (LSNA) approval unit, Continuing Education Committee, are those established by the American Nurses Credentialing Center Commission on Accreditation (ANCC-COA) which are based on the Scope and Standards of Practice for Nursing Professional Development . All LSNA Continuing Education Committee

policies and procedures were developed in accord with the ANCC-COA criteria and Operational Requirements . LSNA approval of continuing education activities and providers is based on evidence of the activity or provider meeting the respective ANCC-COA criteria and operational requirements . Several questions related to continuing nursing education contact hour credit for renewal of ACLS, PALS, NRP and advanced “canned” courses have been asked . The ANCC Commission on Accreditation has decided that contact hours for renewal of these courses may not be awarded . Contact hours for BLS and other basic “canned” courses may not be awarded . Awarding contact hours for initial ACLS, PALS, NRP and other advanced “canned” courses is still permitted . The LSNA continuing education committee has adopted this policy as well .

The LSNA CE Committee will be conducting a survey of approved providers that did not renew as an approved provider of continuing nursing education through LSNA . If you are contacted about participating in this survey, we urge you to participate . LSNA strives to meet the needs of our consumers and continuing education needs of nurses in Louisiana .

With the changes to be made to the ANCC Nursing Continuing Education Process, the CE Committee and the Program Committee are planning an educational activity entitled Planning a Continuing Nursing Education Program Using LSNA/ANCC Criteria . This will be a 3 .0 contact hour activity . The program will also include the 2011criteria with full implementation in January 2013 . The first program will be in conjunction with Link to the Legislature in April 2012 and will be taught by CE Committee Members . After that, the committee members will be identifying locations around the state to offer the program . For more information contact Dr . Debra Shelton, sheltond@suddenlink.net .

Purpose: To provide a framework for nurses to develop, plan, and evaluate nursing continuing education activities .

Objectives:1 . Differentiate between orientation, in-service, and

continuing nursing education activities .2 . Analyze needs assessment methods to identify gaps

in nursing knowledge .3 . Develop measurable, behavioral learner objectives

that are consistent with an activity’s purpose, content outline, time frames, and teaching/learning strategies .

4 . Recognize required components of an evaluation tool that meets ANCC/LSNA criteria .

5 . Discuss ANCC/LSNA standards for commercial support, conflict of interest, co-providership, and commercial entities .

As Chair of the LSNA CE Committee, I wish to express appreciation to LSNA for allowing me to attend the ANCC Annual Symposium on Continuing Nursing Education in Chicago on July 7 . ANCC plans to release revised CNE criteria in 2011 . LSNA and other providers of continuing nursing education will have one year from the release date to implement the revised criteria . I would also like to express sincere appreciation to Dr . Joe Ann Clark for her support and assistance to the CE Committee during her tenure as LSNA Executive Director .

Submitted byNancy Darland, RN, BC, MSN, CNS, APRNChair, LSNA Continuing Education Committee Lead Nurse Reviewer for Providers

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The Blood Center is now interviewing for a full-time RN to perform Therapeutic Apheresis on patients of the hospitals that we serve. This position will work a weekend rotation and some on-call. Dialysis experience is a plus. A valid Louisiana driver’s license and a good driving record are a must!

The Blood Center offers a fast paced, rewarding work environment where you are given every opportunity to succeed and grow. The Blood Center pays a competitive starting wage and has a full benefits package including paid holidays, paid time off, health, dental and life insurance and an employer contributed retirement plan.

If you meet the above qualifications and would like to work for a company that cares about its employees, please apply for the RN position online at www.thebloodcenter.org

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Page 6 • Pelican News December 2011, January, February 2012

LSNA News

the Mollie c. and Larene B. woodard nursing Scholarship Fund, administered by the Louisiana nurses Foundation (LnF), has provided scholarship support for 35 nursing students during the past three years through the generosity of Mr. e. Scott woodard, Sr. in memory of Mollie c. woodard and in honor of Larene B. woodard. These scholarship awards began in Fall, 2009 and are primarily based on eligibility and financial need . They are available to Louisiana nursing students to attend a state approved school of nursing of their choice in Louisiana, or in a state that borders Louisiana, that prepares students to become Registered Nurses . The purpose of this scholarship fund has been to provide financial support to undergraduate nursing students during the clinical component of their nursing program until graduation .

THE 2011 WOODARD NURSING SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS,Funded at $75,000 with allowance for administrative and donor-designated expenses.

In December of 2010, Mr . Woodard donated funds for 2011 scholarships . In appreciation for his generosity, a plaque was presented to him directly in Spring, 2011 by a student scholarship recipient and an LSNA BOD member . Numerous emails and telephone conference calls have been made among Scholarship Committee members in continuing to improve the scholarship application and evaluation process . The committee made uniform the

process for electronic submission and made financial need requirements more explicit . the application deadline was June 15, 2011. Application forms and guidelines for submission were posted on the LSNA website for access by prospective applicants . Announcement was made at the April 07, 2011 LACANE meeting and all LA Nursing Deans and Department heads were sent information electronically .

There were 63 applications submitted by the June deadline, with 60 eligible for review . These students represented 14 schools of nursing in Louisiana . A rigorous, objective review process was done whereby each application was reviewed by two (sometimes three) separate evaluators . Reliability study revealed a very high degree of agreement among independent reviewers . This process was completed by the end of August, 2011 . eight recipients, representing five nursing schools, were notified on September 8, 2011, and include the following: LSU Health Sciences center, n.O. (3) – Shayna Hogan, Craig Redgrave, & Caitlin W. Yerkes. University of Louisiana at Lafayette (2) – Susana DeLaFuente, & Marcia Lynn Richard. One each: Delgado community college/charity School of nursing, n.O. – Bryan J. Camus. nicholls State University – Bethanie Thibodaux. Southern University, Baton Rouge – Fred Lee Reed, III.

Non-award letters were sent to all other applicants, as has been done for each of the past scholarship cycles . The Chair maintains on-going contact with all recipients during their enrollment, along with requests for academic transcripts,

and employment information upon graduation . Contact has been made with the relevant Scholarship & Financial Aid offices of ALL past and ongoing recipients to ensure the return of any unexpended funds .

Much gratitude is expressed to the following very conscientious and diligent members of the LnF woodard nursing Scholarship Selection committee:

Dr. catherine cormier (LSU - Alexandria), Deborah Ford (Our Lady of the Lake RMC), Dr. carol Gordon (Southern U- BR, retired .), Maxine Johnson (Northwestern State U of LA), Dr. Barbara Moffett (Southeastern LA U-retired), Dr. Ann warner (McNeese State U), Dr. Jackie Hill (ex officio, LSNA President /Southern U-BR) . Dr. cynthia Prestholdt (Southeastern LA U-retired) serves as Chair . All members were appointed by the LSNA/LNF Board of Directors and serve in a volunteer capacity, donating endless hours for review activities . Additional gratitude is expressed to the LSNA staff for their assistance in administrative matters . Profound appreciation is extended to Mr . E . Scott Woodard, Sr . for his ongoing generosity—his legacy will be long remembered! The Louisiana Nurses Foundation is grateful for the opportunity to oversee the provision of academic financial support for these future Louisiana registered nurses .—Cynthia Prestholdt, RN, PhD, Chair

LNF Woodard Nursing ScholarshipSelection Committee

LNF Woodard Nursing Scholarships – A Continuing Story

Retirement CelebrationThe Board of Directors of LSNA honored Dr . Joe

Ann Clark for her many years of service at a retirement reception on October 23, 2011 hosted by Randal Johnson at Southern Strategy Group .

The occasion offered Joe Ann’s longtime associates, her family and friends the opportunity to recognize and convey to her the heartfelt respect, admiration, and love she has so deservedly earned in her nursing career . Joe Ann’s many years of devoted service to the practice and advancement of professional nursing and her tireless dedication to the Louisiana nursing community will always be enduring reminders of the beauty of professional nursing practiced with wisdom and grace .

Joe Ann, seated center, and members of LSNA from left, Cynthia Prestholdt, Rita Finn, Susan Steele-Moses, Denise Danna, Lisa Deaton, and Jackie Hill.

Dr. Jackie Hill presents Dr. Joe Ann Clark with the “The Joe Ann Clark Award for Graduate Nursing Education”. The award will be a means to provide support for eligible Registered Nurses seeking advanced education for careers as nurse educators.

Although “officially retired” the hope is that she will continue to share her knowledge and wisdom with us for many years to come .

LSNA President Dr. Jackie Hill presented Dr. Clark with a clock to add to her collection, also pictured Dr. Clark’s husband, Norvalle.

Dr. Clark and family

December 2011, January, February 2012 Pelican News • Page 7

Wishing upon

a star?

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Page 8 • Pelican News December 2011, January, February 2012

Volunteer with the American Red Cross Disaster Health Services

As part of a worldwide movement that offers neutral and impartial humanitarian care, the American Red Cross is the community-based organization that mobilizes people to aid victims of disasters with the aim of preventing and relieving suffering .

The American Red Cross, a nonprofit led by volunteers and guided by its Congressional Charter and the Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross Movement, provides relief to victims of disasters and help people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies . Founded in 1881, the American Red Cross is the nation’s premier emergency response organization .

The American Red Cross is able to meet the needs of disaster victims through its cadre of Red Cross volunteers .

Disaster Health Services is an integral part of American Red Cross . The mission of Health Services is to provide disaster related health services needs and secure resources to meet the health needs of people affected by disaster across the continuum of disaster preparedness, response and recovery .

Disaster Health Services Activities:• Assessment and nursing interventions• Surveillance and disease/health event investigation• Outreach• Health education• Health-related casework• Client advocacy• Consultation and collaboration• Referral and follow-up

History of Service• The first public health nurses were American Red

Cross volunteers• 24,000 Red Cross nurses volunteered during World

War I• 15,000 Red Cross nurses volunteered during the

1918 Pandemic Flu• 100,000 Red Cross nurses volunteered during World

War II• Today, Red Cross nurses provided health care

services in Disaster Response

Every year the Red Cross responds to more than 70,000 disasters—including approximately 150 home fires every day . In Louisiana, our biggest threat is hurricanes . Nurses are needed to provide essential health care in shelters and stations, health education and supporting the thousands of volunteers that work to provide care to those effected by hurricanes . If a hurricane threatens LA, its anticipated that more than 50,000 people would seek shelter, most of these shelters are man-aged by the ARC .

Requirements for Health Professionals1 . Verification of current licensure/certification2 . Health Services utilizes a nurse-led model with

nurses functioning at their individual scope of practice within a community setting

3 . Other health professionals work under the direct supervision of a nurse

4 . Health Services workers are covered by the American Red cross liability insurance when fully registered with the Red Cross and functioning within the parameters of Health Services policies

Required course to Prepare to work in Disaster Health Services

1 Disaster Services: An Overview, Module I One-hour online course introduces Red Cross Disaster Services

2 . Disaster Services: An Overview, Module II 90 minute classroom session concludes the

introduction to Disaster Services.3 . Health Services Response Workshop Four-hour course orients licensed health

professionals to the roles and responsibilities of a Disaster Health Services volunteer.

Optional training Red cross ReadyRn20 self-study online modules—Must be a registered volunteer with your local Red Cross.

Consistent with the National Response Framework, this training provides interactive scenarios for Red Cross healthcare professionals to learn to manage healthcare needs in shelters, perform health assessments, disaster triage, and respond to public health emergencies in communities across the nation .

• Participants choose any or all of the individual modules

• The ReadyRN curriculum was authored and donated to the American Red Cross by Dr . Tener Goodwin Veenema, a leader in the field of disaster and emergency management

• Each module is eligible for 0.2 CEU

The American Red Cross is a CEU provider authorized by the International Association for Continuing Education & Training (IACET) .

How to Get Started as a Volunteer

For more information about becoming an American Red Cross volunteer call your local chapter or go online to www .redcross .org to find your local Red Cross chapter .

Complete and print the volunteer application packet . Take the Red Cross orientation online or attend class at your chapter office . After your application is received, the Volunteer Resources staff will review it and schedule a meeting to further explain volunteer services, share training opportunities and answer any questions . The staff also will have you complete a background check . Once it clears, your photo will be taken to create an ID badge .

More volunteers are needed to provide care to those in crisis . If you need help, the Red Cross is there . If you can help, the Red Cross needs you .

By becoming an American Red Cross volunteer, you become a member of the largest humanitarian organization in the world .

CHEHARDY, SHERMAN, ELLIS, MURRAY, RECILE, GRIFFITH, STAKELUM & HAYES, L.L.P.

Suite 1100, One Galleria BoulevardMetairie, Louisiana 70001

Providing legal consultation to nursing professionals since 1988 in select licensure, employment, medical malpractice,

divorce, risk management, personal injury and business matters .

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December 2011, January, February 2012 Pelican News • Page 9

The Flu Vaccine and You: A Lifesaving DecisionJared Aucoin, MN, RNC-LRN

If you were told that a single infectious communicable pathogen, over the past thirty years until 2007, has had an upward mortality estimate in the United States near 50,000 annually (Thompson et al ., 2010), you might think, “that’s tuberculosis .” You would be incorrect . Tuberculosis has only been reported to have caused approximately 1,635 annual deaths in the United States during the same time frame (Miramontes et al ., 2010) . “Okay, pneumonia right?” You would be partially correct . Pneumonia did account for 52,306 deaths in 2007 (Xu, Kochanek, Murphy, & Tejada-Vera, 2010), however which infectious organism caused these cases? Was it pneumococcus, respiratory syncytial virus, staphylococcus, adenovirus? The list goes on and on, and the specific cause is not always identified . “Well it has got to be HIV then .” Surprisingly enough, no . Even during its’ peak mortality during 1995-1996, HIV associated deaths only barely exceeded 50,000, and an average annual mortality figure from modern surveillance initiation in 1985 until 2007 is well below that peak level (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, n .d .) .

The culprit we are talking about is none other than influenza . “The flu . Really? I’ve had the flu before . There is no way it causes that many deaths .” For many people, who are otherwise healthy, the flu is truly nothing more than a painful inconvenience . While fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, body and headaches, fatigue, vomiting, and diarrhea for five to seven days are definitely not pleasurable, they are completely recoverable . However, for some, such as children, the elderly, pregnant females, and those with co-morbid conditions, the flu is no laughing matter . It can easily and rapidly lead to bacterial pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections, dehydration, and worsening of chronic medical conditions to the point of death (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, n .d .) .

“Okay, so we need to thoroughly educate these folks about the flu, and prevention strategies .” Absolutely . Fortunately for them, there is a very safe and recommended intervention which is highly effective in preventing the flu . Depending on the accuracy of strain prediction by infectious disease specialists and epidemiologists who conduct surveillance year round, the flu vaccine can be as high as 90% effective in preventing flu infections as little as two weeks after administration (Fiore et al ., 2010) . “That’s great . Then why are flu caused deaths so high?” Unfortunately, even when a great intervention such as the flu vaccine is available, not everyone receives it . Children younger than six months cannot receive it . Access to preventative health care such as vaccinations for some is tedious or non-existent . Some have misinformed opinions or bias regarding vaccinations . Some simply refuse it because they do not like injections . “Okay, so what does this have to do with me then?” Well, there is one shared characteristic of this vulnerable population that makes our actions as nurses, and health care providers, invaluable .

That one unique characteristic of this vulnerable population in regards to the flu, and the underlying reason of this article, is that they are the individuals most likely to be seeking out, and receiving medical care . Whether it is as inpatients in a hospital recovering from serious illnesses, outpatients receiving procedural care, or outpatients attending clinic appointments for minor illnesses, these individuals, as opposed to their healthy, middle aged societal counterparts, are truly the population most regularly cared for by health care professionals . Concurrently, as health care professionals, we have some of the highest exposure rates to influenza . We are the perfect reservoir and mode of transmission for influenza in the chain of infection .

Influenza is spread primarily by droplet transmission and individuals can be contagious as early as twenty-four

hours before first symptoms present (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, n .d .) . Therefore, we can care for a patient infected with influenza, go home feeling fine, report to work the next day and infect an otherwise stable individual seeking medical care without even feeling an impending sniffle . This is why it is imperative that we as nurses lead the charge for ourselves and all health care workers to receive the flu vaccine every year .

This realization that vaccinating health care workers for the flu can have serious positive impacts on patient care and outcomes is not new . In 2006, The Joint Commission (TJC) initiated new standards relative to infection control which mandated that certain institutions offer flu vaccines to health care workers (HCW) free of charge and document compliance with receiving the vaccination, for the purpose of obtaining higher rates of HCW flu vaccination (The Joint Commission, 2006) . However, even with this free program which was easy to access, during the 2007-2008 flu season, only 49% of HCW were immunized (Adams P .F ., Heyman K .M ., & Vickerie J .L ., 2009) .

This is not a statistic to be taken lightly . Several studies have proven conclusively that immunizing health care workers with influenza vaccines have resulted in significantly decreased patient morbidity and mortality (Potter et al ., 1997; Hayward et al ., 2006; Lemaitre et al ., 2009; Shugerman et al ., 2006; Thomas, R .E ., Jefferson, T .O ., Demecheli, V ., & Rivewtti, D ., 2006; McCullers et al ., 2006) . It can be logically inferred that as HCWs, when we decline the flu vaccination, we are indirectly contributing to another individuals suffering, as well as putting ourselves at greater risk of suffering .

The flu vaccine is safe and effective (Federal Drug Administration, 2010; Fiore et al ., 2010) . The most common side effects from the vaccination include soreness and redness at injections site, hoarseness, sore eyes, red eyes, itchy eyes, cough, fever, and aches . These side effects are very mild and only persist for one to two days . Most importantly, they do not occur universally . You cannot catch the flu from the flu vaccine . The flu vaccine does not cause autism or other illnesses . These facts have been proven conclusively and exhaustively (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, n .d .) . It is important to differentiate fundamentally sound and scientifically proven evidence from highly captivating and often inflammatory personal opinion, not only when educating patients, but when making personal decisions for ourselves .

As nurses, we must abide by three very important and core ethical principles: beneficence, non malefiscence, and social justice (American Nurses Association, 2010) . We have a duty to do what is best for our patients and within our scope of practice . We must get immunized against influenza . We have a responsibility to not put our patients in harm’s way . We must get immunized against influenza . Our patients have the right to not be placed at increased risk as a result of them seeking out care in what sometimes is their greatest time of need . We must get immunized against influenza .

The next time you care for a two month old infant with the flu who, despite receiving I .V . fluids and medications, has become so dehydrated from vomiting and diarrhea that they are near death, ask yourself if your own misconceptions about the flu vaccine are more valuable than that infant’s life . The next time you care for an eighty year old who is intubated with bacterial pneumonia secondary to a weakened immune system from an influenza infection, ask yourself if they are in more pain than the injection you declined to receive . The next time you care for a fifty year old with underlying heart disease who is in heart failure secondary to the toll influenza has taken upon his body, ask yourself if your refusal of the flu vaccine for no apparent reason was really a refusal to let this person continue living . Influenza is serious . It is preventable . Take action this flu season .

ReferencesAdams P .F ., Heyman K .M ., & Vickerie J .L . (2009) . Summary

health statistics for the U .S . population: National Health Interview Survey, 2008 . National Center for Health Statistics . Vital Health Stat 10(243) .

American Nurses Association . (2010) . The Nurse’s Role in Ethics and Human Rights: Protecting and Promoting Individual Worth, Dignity, and Human Rights in Practice Settings . Retrieved December 3, 2010 from http://www .nursingworld .org/MainMenuCategories/EthicsStandards/-Nursess-Role-in-Ethics-and-Human-Rights .aspx

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention . (n .d .) AIDS Diagnoses, Deaths, and Persons Living with AIDS, 1985-2007 – United States and Dependent Areas. Retrieved July 12, 2011 from http://www .cdc .gov/hiv/topics/surveillance/resources/slides/trends/slides/trends2 .pdf

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention . (n .d .) Key Facts about Influenza (Flu) & Flu Vaccine. Retrieved July 12, 2010 from http://www .cdc .gov/flu/keyfacts .htm

Federal Drug Administration . (2009) . Importance of Influenza Vaccination for Health Care Personnel . Vaccines, Blood, & Biologics. Retrieved December 1, 2010 from http://www .fda .gov/BiologicsBloodVaccines/G u i d a n c e C o m p l i a n c e R e g u l a t o r y I n f o r m a t i o n /PostMarketActivities/LotReleases/ucm063035 .htm

Fiore, A .E ., Uyeki, T .M ., Broder, K ., Finelli, L ., Euler, G .L ., Singleton, J .A ., et al . (2010) . Prevention and Control of Influenza with Vaccines: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), 2010 . Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 59(rr08), p . 1-62 .

Hayward, A .C ., Harling, R ., Wetten, S ., Johnson, A .M ., Munro, S ., Smedley, J, et al . (2006) . Effectiveness of an influenza vaccine programme for home care staff to prevent death, morbidity, and health service use among residents: cluster randomized controlled trial . BMJ, 333(7581), p . 1241 .

Lemaitre, M .,,Meret, T ., Rothan-Tondeur, M ., Belmin, J ., Lejonc, J ., Luquel, L . (2009) . Effect of Influenza Vaccination of Nursing Home Staff on Mortality of Residents: A Cluster-Randomized Trial . Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 57(9), p . 1580-1586 .

McCullers, J . A ., Speck, K . M ., Williams, B . F ., Liang, H . & Mirro, J . (2006) . Increased influenza vaccination of healthcare workers at a pediatric cancer hospital: Results of a comprehensive influenza vaccination campaign . Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology, 27(1), p .77-79 .

Miramontes, R ., Jeffries, C ., Pratt, R ., Yelk Woodruff, R .S ., Winston, C ., Magee, E ., et al . (2010) . Reported Tuberculosis in the United States, 2009. Atlanta, GA: U .S . Department of Health and Human Services, CDC .

Potter, J ., Stott, D .J ., Roberts, M .A ., Elder, A .G ., O’Donell, B ., Knight, P .V ., et al .(1997) . Influenza vaccination of health care workers in long-term care hospitals reduces the mortality of elderly patients . Journal of Infectious Diseases, 175, p . 1-6 .

Shugarman, L . R ., Hales, C ., Setodji, C . M ., Bardenheier, B ., & Lynn, J . (2006) . The influence of staff and resident immunization rates on influenza-like illness outbreaks in nursing homes . Journal of the American Medical Directors Association, 7(9), p . 562-567 .

The Joint Commision . (2010) . Standard IC.02.04.01. 2011 Comprehensive Accreditation Manual for Hospitals (CAMH): The Official Handbook . Oakbrook Terrace, IL: The Joint Commission .

Thompson, M .G ., Shay, D .K ., Zhou, H ., Bridges, C .B ., Cheng, P .Y ., Burns, E ., et al . (2010) . Estimates of Deaths Associated with Seasonal Influenza – United States, 1976-2007 . Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 59(33), p . 1057-1062 .

Thomas, RE ., Jefferson, T ., Demicheli, V ., & Rivetti, D . (2006) . Influenza vaccination for health-care workers who work with the elderly people in institutions: A systematic review . Cochrane Database Systematic Review 2006, Issue 3 . Art . No .: CD005187 .

Xu, J ., Kochanek, K .D ., Murphy, S .L ., Tejada-Vera, B . (May 20, 2010) . Deaths: Final Data for 2007 . National Vital Statistics Reports, 58(19), p . 34 .

Issues in Nursing Education

Page 10 • Pelican News December 2011, January, February 2012

Issues in Nursing EducationA Phenomenological Study to Describe the Pursuit of a

Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing By Associate Degree Registered Nurses

Marie Adorno, APRNC, PhD

Introduction

During the past 50 years, episodic nursing shortages have had an effect on nursing education . An important problem in the health-care system in the United States today is the shortage of registered nurses (RNs) who hold baccalaureate or higher degrees .

The National Advisory Council on Nurse Education and Practice (NACNEP, 1995) recommended that at least two-thirds of the nursing workforce have baccalaureate degrees in nursing (BSN) or higher degrees in nursing by 2010 . Despite the 1995 NACNEP recommendation, the goal of 66% of the nursing workforce prepared at the BSN or higher level by 2010 has not been achieved . While some strides have been made in elevating the level of education among registered nurses, data from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN, 2010) indicated that less than half (47 .2 %) of the total RN population hold baccalaureate degrees . Moreover, data from the National Sample Survey of Registered Nurses (NSSRN, 2010) indicated that only about 13 .0 % of RNs hold graduate degrees .

Since the 1995 recommendation by NACNEP, several researchers have demonstrated the significance to patient care of establishing the goal of a better educated nursing workforce . Aiken, Clarke, Cheung, Sloane, and Silber (2005) reinforced the importance of educational preparation on quality patient care by demonstrating a correlation between nursing education and patient outcomes . Given what is known about quality of patient care and education of RNs, the fact that approximately 70% of practicing RNs are educated at the associate degree or diploma level with less than 17% moving on to achieve the baccalaureate degree, is particularly problematic (Megginson, 2008) .

The Institute of Medicine (IOM, 2010) recommended that the proportion of nurses with baccalaureate degrees be increased to 80% by 2020 . It is essential that RNs who have originally obtained associate degrees in nursing

(ADNs) have support to further their education if they so desire .

The specific purpose of this research was to study the lived experiences of RNs who obtained an associate degree in nursing and, while working in a health-care setting, returned to school to attain a baccalaureate degree in nursing (BSN) . The research questions included: (1) What are the perceived and actual benefits for associate degree RNs to obtain BSN degrees? (2) What are the barriers that associate degree RNs encountered during the decision-making process of returning to school and while completing BSN degrees?

Method/ParticipantsA qualitative phenomenological research design was

deemed to be the most appropriate to explore the lived experiences of associate degree RNs who choose to pursue BSN degrees . Twelve RNs who returned to school to pursue the BSN degree were interviewed . Participants met the following inclusion criteria for the study: 1 . Initial level of collegiate nursing education is the ADN; 2 . Highest level of collegiate nursing education is the BSN; 3 . Employed full-time in a health-care setting; and 4 . At least 1 year post-BSN . An open-ended and semi-structured interview protocol was utilized to collect data .

Study conclusionsIn discussing benefits and barriers to pursuit of the BSN

degree, seven themes emerged: support, professionalism, role strain, personal fulfillment, fear of failure, career mobility, and financial barriers . According to the participants in the study, benefits of obtaining the BSN degree included career mobility, personal fulfillment, and an increased sense of professionalism . Regarding barriers, role strain, lack of support, fear of failure, and financial concerns were the primary barriers identified .

Perceived and Actual BenefitsAccording to the participants in the study, perceived

(anticipated) benefits of obtaining the BSN degree included career mobility and personal fulfillment . Both

of these anticipated benefits were realized as actual benefits . Participants also voiced an increased sense of professionalism . Among the areas cited by participants were increased collaboration and interpersonal skills, greater degree of self-confidence in ability to interact with other health-care professionals, improved conflict resolution skills, and more confidence in assuming the patient advocacy role .

BarriersThe necessity to balance family and work

responsibilities with the demands of school were expressed as barriers that associate degree RNs encounter during the decision-making process of returning to school and while completing the BSN . Role strain was experienced as a barrier both at the time of making the decision to return to school and while they were completing the BSN .

The RNs interviewed stated that they overcame their fear of failure because of incentives for educational goal attainment and career mobility . The majority of the participants addressed scheduling problems at the workplace while completing the requirements for the BSN .Lack of financial resources continues to create a hardship on individuals who desire to return to school for the BSN . In discussion of finances as a barrier, 11 of the participants stated that they had to work full-time when they decided to return to school and were unable to cut back on their work schedules to accommodate their school responsibilities .

Discussion/conclusion/Implications for nursing education

A goal of this study is to inform nurse educators to focus on the needs of this population of nontraditional students who have already been in the workforce with an associate degree in nursing . Nurse educators must collaborate with nursing administrators to create a relationship between the education and practice settings . The purpose of this collaborative relationship is to increase the support for the RN student in the workplace .

William Carey UniversityNURSING PROGRAMS

FAST TRACK RN-BSN PROGRAM—Registered nurses wishing to pursue a baccalaureate degree in nursing may complete the nursing component within 12 months at one of three campus locations: New Orleans, Hattiesburg, or on the Mississippi Gulf Coast at Tradition Campus. In order to meet the needs of the working registered nurse, courses are offered in an online format requiring only three on-campus Saturday class meetings per term. For more information, go to www.wmcarey.edu, select Academics, then Nursing or call 601-318-6478.

MSN PROGRAM - MASTERS OF SCIENCE IN NURSING EDUCATION—The program is offered in 12 months, 15 months, and two year options. For the student who wishes to take a longer time period the program of study can be tailored to the individual’s needs but must be completed within six years. In order to meet the needs of the working registered nurse, courses are offered in an online format requiring three on-campus Friday and Saturday class meetings per term. For more information, go to www.wmcarey.edu, select Academics, then Nursing or call 228-702-1877.

POST MASTERS PROGRAM OPTION IN NURSING EDUCATION—The program is designed for Masters prepared nurses who are seeking preparation as a nurse educator with an adult health focus. This program will prepare the nurse to sit for the Certified Nurse Educator Exam upon meeting the educational practice requirement. The program is offered full time over three terms (12 credit hours) and can be tailored to fit the busy nurse’s schedule. For more information, go to www.wmcarey.edu, select Academics, then Nursing or call 601-318-6478.

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Moving from the clinical, hands- on side of health care to the administrative management side required additional skills that I lacked as a nurse. The Executive MPH allowed me the flexibility of acquiring these skills while maintaining full-time employment. While the instruction is second-to-none, the key is in the diversity of the student body whose experiences added value and enriched my learning experience. I highly recommend the Executive MPH at Southern Miss to any health care professional interested in developing a broader scope of service.” Angel Greer, MPH, BSN Executive MPH Class of 2010Chief Executive Officer, Coastal Family Health Centers and Greene Area Medical Centers • Biloxi, Miss.

“

December 2011, January, February 2012 Pelican News • Page 11

Issues in Nursing EducationThe Practice Doctorate in Nursing: Perspective on How the

DNP Changes Practice and Improves Clinical CareLaurie Anne Ferguson, DNP, APRN, ANP-BC,

FNP-C, CPNPSharron Forest, DNP, APRN, NNP-BC

IntroductionTerminal degrees in Nursing include the Ph .D . (Doctor

of Philosophy), DNS (Doctor of Nursing Science) and most recently, the DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice) . The latter degree focuses on developing comprehensive clinical expertise and applying current research findings to clinical practice . As a Family Nurse Practitioner and a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, our original purpose for seeking a terminal degree in nursing was indeed to develop skills in order that we might “promote excellence in clinical practice rather than discover new knowledge” (Loomis, Willard & Cohen, 2007) . However, one year later, our reflection on the journey towards obtaining the DNP degree and how it has significantly changed our practice is only now becoming fully realized .

the DnP ProgramThe AACN Essentials of Doctoral Education for

Advanced Nurse Practice (AACN, 2006) provide the basis for objectives that guide DNP education . The Essentials include:

1 . Scientific underpinnings for practice2 . Organizational and systems leadership for quality

improvement and systems thinking3 . Clinical scholarship and analytical methods for

evidence-based practice4 . Information systems/technology and patient care

technology for the improvement and transformation of health care

5 . Health care policy6 . Interprofessional collaboration for improving

patient and population health outcomes7 . Clinical prevention and population health for

improving the nation’s health8 . Advanced nursing practice (Kaplan & Brown,

2009)Doctoral courses in advanced biostatistics,

epidemiology, and analytical research methods provide skills and expertise to critically evaluate conventional or routine clinical management in light of new research and published clinical guidelines . Doctoral studies also develop leadership competencies, including skills to act as change agents for improving outcomes and processes . The most unexpected ramification of becoming DNP-prepared advanced practice nurses is reflected in the different outlook we now have on our practice . The journey literally changed how we think and in turn, how we impact clinical outcomes . One year later, we are convinced that the DNP degree empowered us to improve the clinical care for our patients by giving us new perspectives on evidence-based practice, population-based health, and additional solutions for addressing healthcare needs .

evidence-Based PracticeAs Masters-prepared NPs, we often provided healthcare

per “tradition” as opposed to the most current evidence . We, like many nurse practitioners, claimed to practice according to evidence-based research; however, we now realize that prior to obtaining the DNP degree, we lacked skills to comprehensively assess the current literature for rigor and applicability to our clinical practice . As DNP-prepared NPs, we are able to integrate knowledge from diverse sources and translate research into improved practices and novel solutions to complex problems (AACN, 2006) .

Population-Based HealthPopulation-based health care focuses on meeting the

health needs of the individual patient by looking at patterns to assess and manage a large group of patients with similar health concerns or characteristics while recognizing a full range of influences on health status . Individual-focused care alone is not sufficient to prevent disease and provide health maintenance for specific populations; however, population-based health defines patients not only as individuals, but as whole communities or populations . With our new perspective on how the patient is defined, we appreciate how implementation of the state of the science can positively influence health outcomes for one or many .

Additional Solutions for Addressing Healthcareneeds—Pulling it All together

Today’s health care issues are increasingly complex . Large numbers of patients experience multiple chronic health problems, the population is aging, and potential changes in provider reimbursement are some of the challenges that require innovative strategies . The focus has shifted from addressing individual problems and challenges to solutions that incorporate institutional modifications and health reform . Knowledge of system/organizational change, health informatics, and health policy—concepts emphasized in the DNP curriculum—are increasingly important for addressing many of these healthcare needs and for transforming healthcare services .

Population-based health data provides a wealth of information to help analyze evidence-based practice and assess determinants of health status for target populations . The information obtained helps direct organizational change and health policy reform . Health informatics facilitates identification of practice patterns best suited to target particular populations of patients and helps reshape the delivery of healthcare services (Weiner & Chan, 2007) . Health informatics is also beneficial for preventing and detecting health care errors and for identifying opportunities for quality improvement . Since practice inquiry is interwoven throughout the practice-focused doctoral program, DNPs are the ideal choice for leading quality/performance improvement initiatives .

Implementation of our doctoral capstone intervention utilized many skills encompassed in the DNP essentials, beginning with a comprehensive review of the literature to guide the project . As clinical experts, it was not only necessary to evaluate and interpret the evidence related to our individual clinical problems, but also to translate study findings from the literature to make interventions relevant to our specific practice settings (Vincent, Johnson, Velasquez, Rigney, 2010) . The practice challenges and questions obviously differed since we work in different settings (primary versus acute care) and with different patient populations (family versus neonatal) . However, skills for negotiation and leading change efforts to transform our respective practices are applicable to any setting or change initiative .

collaboration between DnPs and PhDsResearch generates new knowledge, holding promise

for improving health outcomes; yet, it is the application of that knowledge in the clinical setting under real conditions that ultimately impacts patients . Collaboration between PhDs and DNPs is essential, as working together serves to connect scientific discovery and practical application (Vincent et al ., 2010) . As expert clinicians, DNPs are equipped to interpret the study findings from our research-focused colleagues and to subsequently implement protocols and tailor interventions and processes to ensure feasibility and effectiveness . Furthermore, the DNP-prepared NP may participate in the research process by

facilitating access to study populations and by providing clinical and real world insight to the challenges experienced when providing care to vulnerable populations .

conclusionMany competent Masters-prepared NPs possess some of

or all of the characteristics described, but doctoral studies develop and elevate clinical, research, and leadership abilities to new heights . Although many NPs seek to attain a DNP degree by means of a short or easy program, our advice is to carefully evaluate and compare available programs so as not to be cheated of the opportunity to practice at a higher, and we believe more fulfilling, level . Before completing the DNP degree, we were competent nurse practitioners who provided safe and appropriate clinical care . After receiving the DNP, we continue to practice daily with the same patient populations as before, but the breadth and depth of our knowledge and skills are substantively increased . The care we provide to our patients, both individuals and populations, is greatly improved . Advanced practice nurses in the 21st century have been given unprecedented opportunities to demonstrate that we are unique and competent professionals . There are no short cuts to quality .

ReferencesAmerican Association of Colleges of Nursing (2006) . The

essentials of doctoral education for advanced nursing practice . Retrieved August 13, 2011 from http://www .aacn .nche .edu/dnp/pdf/essentials .pdf

Kaplan, L . & Brown, M-A . (2009) . Doctor of nursing practice program evaluation and beyond: Capturing the profession’s transition to the DNP . Nursing Education Perspectives, 30,362-366 .

Loomis, J . A ., Willard, B ., & Cohen, J . (2007) Difficult professional choices: Deciding between the PhD and the DNP in nursing . Online Journal of Issues in Nursing, 12 (1), 6 .

Vincent, D ., Johnson, C ., Velasquez, D ., & Rigney, T . (2010) . DNP-Prepared nurses as practitioner-researchers: Closing the gap between research and practice . The American Journal for Nurse Practitioners, 14, 28-34 .

Weiner, J . P ., & Chan, K . (2007, June 15) . Using health IT to advance population-based quality measurement in health care. Paper presented at the meeting of The Johns Hopkins Division of Health Sciences Informatics Seminar .

Page 12 • Pelican News December 2011, January, February 2012

Nursing AwardsTerrebonne General

Medical CenterDAISY Award

Nurses at Terrebonne General Medical Center are bring honored with the Daisy Award for Extraordinary Nurses . This award is part of the DAISY Foundation’s program to recognize the super-human efforts nurses preform everyday . Mark Barnes and his family founded the award in 1999, and Terrebonne General Medical Center joins 708-other medical facilities honoring their nurses with this special award . These nurses are recognized by their pateints for the extraordinary care they were given by these nurses .

tracie Achee, RN in the Critical Care Unit at Terrebonne General Medical Center (TGMC) has been honored with “The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses .” Achee has been a part of the TGMC family for sixteen years .

“It is an honor just to be nominated for the Daisy Award by the patients and families that I work so closely with . I am thrilled to share this award with my older brother, Dan Albares who was the first recipient of the Daisy Award at TGMC . I am very thankful for the opportunity to work with such amazing people and to be able to help our patients and our community,” said Achee .

tim comeaux, RN in the Medical Surgical Unit at Terrebonne General Medical Center (TGMC) has been honored with “The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses .” Comeaux has been a part of the TGMC family for fourteen years and has been a registered nurse for eleven years .

“It is a wonderful honor to be chosen for the Daisy Award . I consider it a blessing to work with such outstanding nurses and staff at Terrebonne General . I would love to accept this award on behalf of the staff of the Medical Surgical Unit,” said Tim Comeaux .

edna Anderson, RN in the Telemetry Unit at Terrebonne General Medical Center (TGMC) has been honored with “The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses .” Anderson has been a part of the TGMC family for sixteen years .

“I feel honored to be recognized for my effort and dedication to nursing and honored to receive the Daisy Award . I would like to say that I couldn’t do my work without all of the extraordinary nurses and team members that support me . Thank you to the team and to my family for their support and sacrifices,” said Anderson .

This is one initiative of The DAISY Foundation, whose overall goal is to help fight diseases of the immune system . Additionally, DAISY has programs to help fund research to improve treatment and ultimately cure Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), contribute to bone marrow and blood drives and provide support for ITP patients and their families .

Dr. Beck Installed as Dean of the School of Nursing

at Our Lady of the Lake College

Baton Rouge, LA—Our Lady of the Lake College celebrated the installation of Jennifer Beck, Ph .D ., R .N ., C .N .E ., as Dean of the School of Nursing (SON) on August 31, 2011 .

Dr . Beck holds a Ph .D . in Educational Leadership and Research, a Master’s degree in Nursing, and Baccalaureate degrees in Nursing and Education . Her doctoral research focused on student perceptions of incivility in the nursing education triad – students, faculty, and nurses . Currently, Dr . Beck’s research focuses on ways to create a positive change in the professional socialization process of nursing students .

Prior to beginning her academic career, Dr . Beck worked in critical care in California and Missouri and in medical-surgical nursing and diabetes education at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center . In addition, she has done emergency care, community-based care, and research . Before commencing her tenure at Our Lady of the Lake College, she taught associate degree students in California and LPN students in American Samoa where she was instrumental in transitioning the program to an associate degree .

In 1984, Dr . Beck began teaching in the Our Lady of the Lake School of Nursing diploma program where she was actively involved in transitioning the School of Nursing into higher education . She served on the task force to develop the LPN-RN Transition program and the RN-BSN program . Dr . Beck has taught across the nursing curriculum, served as RN-BSN program director, ASN program director, and Associate Dean prior to being appointed Dean of the School of Nursing .

She holds membership in the Louisiana Council of Administrators of Nursing Education where she is secretary, the American Nurses’ Association, National League for Nursing, Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society, the Association for the Study of Higher Education, and the American Educational Research Association .

Dr . Beck is a visionary leader who tirelessly promotes student-focused learning environments and civil campus relationships . She is already hard at work establishing programs at the School of Nursing grounded in a strong general education core curriculum, infused with ethical and moral purpose, and designed to prepare graduates to succeed in a rapidly evolving health care environment .

Offering master’s, baccalaureate, and associate degrees, Our Lady of the Lake College is a four-year, independent institution, providing a strong foundation in the liberal arts and continuing its highly-regarded health sciences and nursing programs . For more information about Dr . Beck, the School of Nursing or the College go to www .ololcollege .edu .

Esther Young Named TGMC September

Employee Of The Month

Esther Young has been named the Terrebonne General Medical Center (TGMC) September Employee of the Month . Young works as a Shift Coordinator in the Central Processing Department and has been part of the TGMC team for almost eighteen years .

In an effort to recognize outstanding employees, the TGMC Customer Service Council has implemented the Employee of the Month program . This program recognizes employees that exemplify the kind of person that patients, family members and fellow employees distinguish as role models . This employee shows dedication, outstanding work ethics, a positive attitude that is reflected in their day-to-day work and focuses on meeting both internal and external customer service goals .

“I was shocked and excited to have been chosen as the September Employee of the Month . I work with such a wonderful team or people who all deserve this award and who give so much of themselves while working at TGMC,” said Young .”

THE SPECTRUM of HEALTHCARE QUALITY HAS NO BOUNDS

LOUISIANA ASSOCIATION forHEALTHCARE QUALITY

36th Annual Education Conference!

April 12 & 13, 2012 SHREVEPORT, LA

CPHQ REVIEW COURSE APRIL 11, 2012

Contact Sheila Veuleman, Conference Chair at sveuleman@eqhs.org

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December 2011, January, February 2012 Pelican News • Page 13

District News

Baton Rouge District Nurses Association

Message from the President

Cindi York, RN, MSN, CGRN, PresidentBaton Rouge District Nurses Association

The Baton Rouge District Nurses Association (BRDNA) has been very busy this year . Our Board of Directors (BODs) met on a regular basis to discuss BRDNA business and prepare for general body meetings . A new format was instituted this year wherein BOD meetings were alternated between live meetings and conference call meetings . This format worked well adding flexibility to accommodate board members’ schedules .

Based on membership totals, the BRDNA was awarded 30 delegates for the 2011 LSNA House of Delegates resulting in strong representation and voting power . Membership continues to be the focus of the current BRDNA board members and much effort has been made to increase awareness of the organization and benefits of membership . This year our membership has increased to 310, up from 297 last year .

On May 2nd we hosted our annual Celebrate Nursing Banquet which recognized 23 outstanding nurses in our community, including Dr . Lorinda Sealey who received the Helen J . Cremeens Teaching Excellence Award . We had an excellent turnout with over 200 in attendance . Once again, we were able to grant two educational scholarships in the amount of $500 to two BRDNA members working towards a degree in nursing . We have begun planning next year’s banquet and welcome anyone who would like to assist . It’s a wonderful evening of food, fellowship and fun .

Our website has recently been updated to ensure better communication with members and various forms are now located on line . Thank you to everyone who assisted with this project . You may view the current meeting schedule and lecture agenda at www .batonrougedistrictnursesassociation .org .

Several board members will be completing their term this year and the BRDNA will be providing members with information regarding upcoming vacancies and instructions for nominations . All BODs are elected for a two year period and the induction ceremony will coincide with the January, 2012 business meeting .

Thank you for the opportunity to serve as President for the BRDNA . It has been a wonderful opportunity for professional growth, networking, and strengthening of professional friendships .

BRDNA Meeting Dates

December – no Meeting2012

January 12 – Women’s Fitness Center

February 9 – St . Elizabeth Hospital , Sr . Vernola Room

March 8 – OLOL Auditorium B

April – no Meeting – LSNA Link to the Legislature

May – no Meeting – Celebrate Nursing Banquet

August BRDNA Meeting

Cindi York, BRDNA president, and Sandy Wade, Clinical Nurse Specialist at OLOLRMC, visit at the August BRDNA Meeting . Sandy Wade gave a very enlightening and educational program on Chylothorax (in adults), a rare complication of chest surgery, and included two case studies .

September BRDNA Meeting

Kymberly Vincent-McCoy, Associate Professor at Southern University and OLOL staff nurse, is shown with several SU students following the September BRDNA meeting . Ms McCoy discussed “Organ Donations and African Americans .” She discussed the statistics, the procedures and had one organ recipient and 1 mother who donated her son’s organs so 5 others can live . LOPA provided a table with several handouts and acquired names of potential donors .

October BRDNA Meeting

The Baton Rouge General School of Nursing students are shown with their instructor Penny Van Pelt at the October BRDNA meeting . All RN nursing students are invited to all BRDNA meetings . The BRDNA meetings are held the second Thursday of most months .

“Memories N” Song” as demonstrated by Dorothy LeBlanc, at the BRDNA October meeting; how music plays an important role in our care . She has played for children, for seniors, at assisted living centers, nursing homes and for persons with alzheimers and other chronic conditions . Music brings back memories and good times, providing comfort in a person’s life . On occasion, music can decrease the frequency for pain medicine .

Dr. Jackie Hill, President of the LSNA enjoys the discussion with members of the Baton Rouge District Nurses Association during her presentation at the October meeting.

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Page 14 • Pelican News December 2011, January, February 2012

District News

New Orleans District Nurses Association

The 2011-2013 Board of Directors for NODNA are: President—Marie Adorno; Vice-President—Victoria Johnson; Secretary—Patricia Smart; Treasurer—Pete Keller; Research and Development Committee Chair—Demetrius Porche; By-laws Committee Chair—Denise Danna; Membership Chair—Irielle Gant; Awards Chair—Angela Brister; and Website/Electronic Communication Co-Chairs—Nedra Keenan and Patrick Reed .

The mission of NODNA is to support nurses in New Orleans through their membership in LSNA and ANA . We have hosted social events in October and November to assist with networking and collaborating with registered nurses in the New Orleans area . Please look for more upcoming events .

NODNA launched its website at the November 16th Social to foster a spirit of camaraderie, share the nursing experience, promote open communication, and support active participation in the organization . Our website is www .nolanurses .org and the address to NODNA’s Facebook page is http://www .facebook .com/#!/NODNA . Please visit and give your input and ideas to assist us in networking and advancing high standards of ethical and professional conduct among registered nurses .

Ruston District NursesAssociation

The Ruston District Nurses Association is very proud of the involvement of our members in the Louisiana State Nurses Association . Norlyn Hyde is Resolution and By-Laws Chair and Nancy Darland has been appointed to be a member of LSNA Board of Directors due to her role as Co-chair of the Continuing Education Committee . Lucy Douglas is serving as the LSNA consultant to the Louisiana Association of Student Nurses (LASN) . Beth Fife is a member of the CE Committee and recently became a member of the LSNA Archives Committee . Shirley Payne is a member of the Nominating Committee . Several of our members were a part of the LASN state convention 2011 in Alexandria, LA . Lucy Douglas served as the LSNA consultant and presented “What’s All the Commotion about Promotion? Promoting Health and Wellness in a Coke-Guzzling, Twinkie-Stuffing, Video-Game Playing World .” Nancy Darland presented “Facing the Challenges of Prematurity .” Tara Haskins presented “Victims of Violence: An Introduction into Evidentiary Collection, Documentation and Treatment .” Beth Fife attended as the Louisiana Tech University Faculty Advisor to the Student Nurse Association . RDNA is very proud of Louisiana Tech Student Nurses who received first place for Best Community Service Award . RDNA members Lucy Douglas, Beth Fife, and Norlyn Hyde are involved in community health screenings in collaboration with Dietetics Faculty at Louisiana Tech as part of the Diabetes Intervention Aimed at Enhancing Community Health (DIATECH) Grant funded by Health and Human Services . This three year grant, entering its final year, provides screening, health promotion and disease management education to citizens in Lincoln and Bienville Parishes in cooperation with three African American churches . We would like to express our thanks and best wishes to Joe Ann Clark for all the work she has done in her position as Executive Director of LSNA . The program at our October 18, 2011 meeting will be on Red Cross Disaster Health Services . Nurses in the community and nursing students have been invited to attend .

A Satellite Campus of Tulane University School of Medicine

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We’re a Community of Caring.

We’re a Team. We’re a Family.

Enjoy a fulfilling career at Baton Rouge General, where you can be the nurse you always dreamed you’d be.

At the General you’ll discover a new kind of hospital – where life-giving technology combines with exceptional warmth and compassion.

For more information, call Judi Lefebvre, RN at 225-381-6824 or apply online at www.BRGeneral.org.

SCHOOL OF NURSINGTransform yourself, your fuTure, and healTh care.

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Attn: Debbie Smith, Executive Assistant(504)865-2823 dhsmith@loyno.edu

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Ideal candidates will have a doctoral degree and national certification as a Family/Adult Nurse Practitioner or Nurse Administrator. Experience in education and practice is desired. Rank and salary are commensurate with qualifications.

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Search for Balance

December 2011, January, February 2012 Pelican News • Page 15

Training Dates 2012

Become trained to identify physical trauma, to document injuries, collect evidence

and maintain the chain of custody and to provide necessary referrals.

RNs: Become trained as an Adolescent/Adult Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner

February 16 & 17, 2012 • Shreveport

Forensic Nurse Examiners of LA, Inc.2900 Hearne Ave., Shreveport, LA 71103

Phone: 318.226.6881 (Ask for Tabi)

For Detailed Information:

www.FNELA.org“This project is supported by Grant No. 2009-WE-AX-0022 awarded by the Office on Violence Against Women, U.S. Department of Justice. The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed in this publication/program/exhibition are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women.”

Happy Holidaysfrom the Board & Staff of the Louisiana State Nurses

Association

Page 16 • Pelican News December 2011, January, February 2012

New Hospital Opening June 2012!

Ournewparishhospitalisbringingstate-of-the-arthealthcarebacktoSt.BernardParishandneweconomicgrowthopportunitiestoourcommunity.Aswelaythefoundationtowardsournewfuture,St.BernardParishHospital is building a team of experienced, dedicated, healthcareprofessionalstoleadtheway.

St.BernardParishHospitalisanEqualOpportunityEmployer.

We are currently recruiting to fill Nursing positions

We invite you to view all open positions at

www.SBPH.net under Careers!

To apply for a job, please visit www.lafayettegeneral.com

Lafayette General Medical Center, a 321-bed facility, is

the largest full-service acute-care medical

center in the nine-parish area of Acadiana.Lafayette General Medical Center takes to heart our mission of improving, maintaining and restoring the health of people in the communities we serve. This would not be possible without the best health care staff in Louisiana.

SEEKING RNs, LPNs, CNAs, Nurse Leaders

Visit us online!

Employee Benefits•HealthInsurance •ClinicalLadder •EmployeeAssistance•DentalInsurance •OngoingEmployee •CreditUnion•LifeInsurance Activities •PharmacyDiscount•401(k)Retirement •Educational •DirectDeposit Plan Assistance •529College•Discounts •Educational SavingsPlan•Long-TermDisability Opportunities