Haiti Relief Efforts Continue - 2/6/2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 5, 2010
CONTACT:
Mary McNamara, 301-628-5198
mary.mcnamara@ana.org
Adam Sachs, 301-628-5038
adam.sachs@ana.org
www.nursingworld.org
AMERICAN NURSES ASSOCIATION CONTINUES EARTHQUAKE RELIEF EFFORTS
SILVER SPRING, MD – The American Nurses Association (ANA), the largest nursing organization in the US, continues to recruit nurses who are interested in becoming emergency first responders. Nurses can access the online form for ANA’s database at www.nursingworld.org/haitirelief. Response efforts are now being coordinated through a multi-national cluster system, ANA has reached out to organizations working with the health cluster to offer support and nursing staff.
ANA has started to receive firsthand accounts from members on the ground in Haiti. To read the accounts please become a fan of ANA on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/AmericanNursesAssociation. ANA would like to hear from any nurses who wish to share their experiences in Haiti with the nursing community. If you would like to tell your story please contact ANA’s Communications staff.
###
The ANA is the only full-service professional organization representing the interests of the nation's 2.9 million registered nurses through its constituent member nurses associations, its organizational affiliates, and its workforce advocacy affiliate, the Center for American Nurses. The ANA advances the nursing profession by fostering high standards of nursing practice, promoting the rights of nurses in the workplace, projecting a positive and realistic view of nursing, and by lobbying the Congress and regulatory agencies on health care issues affecting nurses and the public.
H1N1 Update - 2/4/2010
1
Weekly H1N1 Swine Flu Update
Version 1.1
For Immediate Release
February 4, 2010
2:00 PM Eastern
Contact: DOH Press Office
850-245-4111
As of 2/02/10 Florida cumulatively reported:
· 1,233 hospitalizations in persons with lab confirmed H1N1.
· 201 deaths reported with lab confirmed H1N1.
· Influenza activity is similar to previous influenza seasons at this time.
Widespread influenza activity, the highest level in our system, was not reported by any
counties this week. Localized activity was not reported by any counties. Counties
either reported sporadic or no activity. There is no evidence that the virus has changed
to a more virulent form, either in Florida, the rest of the U.S., or elsewhere in the world.
2
Editors Note to Media:
There have been no laboratory confirmed H1N1 deaths during this week.
Total deaths from laboratory confirmed H1N1: 201*
*There were no H1N1 related deaths this week. However, the DOH Bureau of
Epidemiology conducted a detailed review of all H1N1 laboratory confirmed
cases in Florida, and verified these cases against death certificates in our
Bureau of Vital Statistics. This review identified 13 cases that were previously
unreported. Below are the month of death, age and county of those previously
unreported cases.
July 2009: a 39-year-old female and a 75-year-old male in Miami-Dade County, and a
female of unknown age in Hillsborough County.
August 2009: a 48-year-old female in Hillsborough County, and a 63-year-old female
in Broward County.
September 2009: a 79-year-old female in Citrus County,
October, 2009: a 67-year-old female in Miami-Dade County, a 47-year-old-female in
Okeechobee County, an 18-year-old male in Polk County, and a 56-year-old male in
St. Lucie County.
November 2009: a 53-year-old female in Nassau County, a 38-year-old male in
Orange County and a 57-year-old female in St. Lucie County.
The State Surgeon General provided these recommendations:
People with respiratory illness should stay home from work or school to avoid
spreading infections, including influenza, to others in the community.
· Avoid close contact with people who are coughing or otherwise appear ill.
· Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
· Wash hands frequently to lessen the spread of respiratory illness.
· People experiencing cough, fever and fatigue, possibly along with diarrhea and
vomiting, should contact their physician
If you think you have influenza, please call your health care provider and discuss
whether you need to be seen in their office, emergency department or stay home.
3
Disease Management
Public Stockpile
Antiviral Medications
Available
As of 1/29/10, Florida public stockpile includes 1,005,706
courses of antiviral medications in 5 formulations. 172,654
courses have been distributed to the County Health
Departments and of those, 14,481 have been dispensed.
Public Stockpile
Personal Protective
Equipment Available
As of 2/03/10, 2.9 million adult surgical masks, 242,550
pediatric surgical masks, 4.7 million N-95 masks, and 1.6
million gloves are stockpiled.
Public Stockpile
Personal Protective
Equipment
Distributed
As of 2/03/10, 311,930 total masks have been shipped.
Surgical masks shipped primarily to schools.
Communications:
· Florida Flu Information Line 1-877-352-3581
· As of 1/31/10, the Florida Flu Information Line has received 51,900 calls since
August 24, 2009.
· As of 2/01/10, we had over 214,573 visitors to the Florida Department of Health
H1N1 website at www.myflusafety.com.
Mass Vaccination Campaign:
· Florida H1N1 Vaccination Campaign is voluntary
· FDA approved four manufacturers for H1N1 Vaccine
· With current reduction in vaccine amounts, supply is limited in the numbers and
formulation
Vaccine Availability Florida allocation as of 2/01/10 is 887,900 doses of
LAIV. Available doses: 300.
Florida allocation as of 2/01/10 of injectible multi- dose
vials is 4,897,600.
Florida allocation as of 2/01/10 of injectible single
dose syringes is 1,675,500.
Public Mass Vaccination Clinics
Scheduled
Public clinics are posted at
http://www.myflusafety.com/myfluclinic.htm as dates
and locations are established.
ANA on Protection from Toxic Chemicals - 1/21/2010
F
AMERICAN NURSES ASSOCIATION JOINS SAFER CHEMICALS HEALTHY FAMILIES COALITION IN DEMANDING STRONGER PROTECTIONS FROM TOXIC CHEMICALS
New report documents health and financial benefits to chemical reforms
SILVER SPRING, MD – The American Nurses Association (ANA), the largest nursing organization in the US, joins its partners in the Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families (SCHF) coalition in touting the release of new analysis on the need for toxic chemical legislation reform. “The Health Case for Reforming the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA)” provides evidence to support that rising rates of chronic diseases and health care costs could be reduced by overhauling federal chemical policy.
This report suggests that reducing exposure to chemicals contributing to chronic diseases would have a beneficial effect on the health of the American public as well as the health care system. The report summarizes a number of peer-reviewed studies that estimate the disease burden attributable to chemical exposure. Conservatively assuming that chemical policy reform were to reduce the contribution of toxic chemical exposures to chronic diseases by 0.1 percent, the resulting reduction in annual health care costs would amount to an estimated $5 billion. The Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families coalition has estimated health care cost savings on a state-by-state basis, using census figures projected for 2020.
“Current regulations and previous legislation failed to adequately protect people from chemical exposure,” remarked ANA President Rebecca M. Patton, MSN, RN, CNOR. “This failure has negative effects on both our physical and our fiscal well-being. As the largest group of health care providers, nurses have a duty to inform and educate the public about potential hazards and work toward reducing or eliminating these environmental threats. ANA supports TSCA reform as a means of creating a healthier environment and a healthier population.”
MORE
TSCA Reform page 2
TSCA, first signed into law in 1976, authorizes the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to screen existing and new industrial chemicals used in U.S. manufacturing and commerce and to identify potentially dangerous products or uses that should be subject to federal control.
The Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families coalition urges lawmakers to enact effective TSCA reform and modernize this legislation to protect the health of people and the environment, while restoring the public's confidence in the chemical safety component of consumer products and manufacturing processes.
To read the full report, please visit www.saferchemicals.org
###
The ANA is the only full-service professional organization representing the interests of the nation's 2.9 million registered nurses through its constituent member nurses associations, its organizational affiliates, and its workforce advocacy affiliate, the Center for American Nurses. The ANA advances the nursing profession by fostering high standards of nursing practice, promoting the rights of nurses in the workplace, projecting a positive and realistic view of nursing, and by lobbying the Congress and regulatory agencies on health care issues affecting nurses and the public.
Weekly Swine Flue Update from DOH - 1/21/2010
1
Weekly H1N1 Swine Flu Update
Version 1.1
For Immediate Release
January 21, 2010
2:00 PM Eastern
Contact: DOH Press Office
850-245-4111
As of 1/19/10 Florida cumulatively reported:
· 1,215 hospitalizations in persons with lab confirmed H1N1.
· 187 deaths reported with lab confirmed H1N1.
· Overall mortality with influenza or pneumonia remains slightly above the
expected value for the time of year.
Widespread influenza activity, the highest level in our system, was not reported by any
counties this week. Localized activity was not reported by any counties. Counties
either reported sporadic or no activity. There is no evidence that the virus has changed
to a more virulent form, either in Florida, the rest of the U.S., or elsewhere in the world.
Updated Swine Flu Deaths: 187
2
“A Message from the Surgeon General”
I am happy to share with everyone that this is the third week Florida has
reported no laboratory confirmed deaths from H1N1 flu.
While this is encouraging information, we must continue our fight against the flu
and ask all Floridians to consider getting their H1N1 and seasonal flu
vaccinations.
By taking the time today to get vaccinated, you can help us continue to slow the
spread of flu in Florida.
Our flu season in Florida peaks in mid February and at times continues into
March and beyond. It’s not too late for a vaccination to be effective and reduce
the potential for a third wave of infections.
The vaccine has proven to be very safe, and is the most effective method of
protecting yourself, your family and your community from the flu virus.
Our new outreach campaign, H1N1 Spread the word, not the flu, is designed to
use a variety of communication channels to bring this important message to
Floridians. Vaccine is available it’s easy to find, and this is a good time to take
a few minutes from your daily schedule and get vaccinated.
But please don’t forget the preventative steps we have shared with you since
the beginning of this pandemic:
o Stay home if you are sick, and keep your children home if they
are sick.
o Cover your cough or sneeze.
o Wash your hands often.
By practicing these healthy habits as well as well as getting your H1N1 and
seasonal vaccination, you can help us continue our progress fighting this flu
and the potential for a future third wave of infections.
For information about flu vaccination clinics in your community, or to view our
new H1N1 Town Hall Webcast, please visit our web page,
www.myflusafety.com or call us at 877 352 3581.
Disease Management
Public Stockpile As of 1/08/10, Florida public stockpile includes 1,014,310
3
Antiviral Medications
Available
courses of antiviral medications in 5 formulations. 172,654
courses have been distributed to the County Health
Departments and of those, 14,051 have been dispensed.
Public Stockpile
Personal Protective
Equipment Available
As of 1/08/10, 2.9 million adult surgical masks, 266,550
pediatric surgical masks, 4.8 million N-95 masks, and 1.6
million gloves are stockpiled.
Public Stockpile
Personal Protective
Equipment
Distributed
As of 1/08/10, 311,930 total masks have been shipped.
Surgical masks shipped primarily to schools.
Communications:
· Florida Flu Information Line 1-877-352-3581
· As of 1/18/10, the Florida Flu Information Line has received 51,309 calls since
August 24, 2009.
· As of 1/19/10, we had over 210,031 visitors to the Florida Department of Health
H1N1 website at www.myflusafety.com.
4
Mass Vaccination Campaign:
· Florida H1N1 Vaccination Campaign is voluntary
· FDA approved four manufacturers for H1N1 Vaccine
· With current reduction in vaccine amounts, supply is limited in the numbers and
formulation
Vaccine Availability
Florida allocation as of 1/08/10 of injectible multi- dose
vials is 4,897,600.
Florida allocation as of 1/08/10 of injectible single
dose syringes is 1,657,300.
Providers began receiving initial orders of vaccine on
10/8/09. Vaccine is being made available to the
states as quickly as it is being manufactured. While
the vaccine amounts are less than what was
anticipated, the state continues to receive steady
shipments of vaccine to meet mass vaccination
campaign goals.
Public Mass Vaccination Clinics
Scheduled
Public clinics are posted at
http://www.myflusafety.com/myfluclinic.htm as dates
and locations are established.
ANA Awards Hospitals for Outstanding Nursing Quali - 1/21/2010
ANA Awards Hospitals for Outstanding Nursing Quality Based on Patient Outcomes
Top-ranking Obama Administration RN Highlights Nurses’ Impact
On National Health Issues at NDNQI® Data Use Conference
SILVER SPRING, MD – The American Nurses Association (ANA), the largest nursing organization in the U.S., is recognizing six hospitals that participate in ANA’s National Database of Nursing Quality Indicators® (NDNQI®), the nation’s most comprehensive database of nursing-care outcomes measures, for consistently yielding outstanding patient outcomes that are tied directly to the high quality of nursing care at each facility.
The award-winning hospitals are among the more than 1,500 hospitals – one in every four nationwide –that participate in ANA’s unique NDNQI database that allows individual nursing units to compare their performance to similar units at other hospitals regionally, statewide, and nationwide.
Honored at the 4th Annual NDNQI Data Use Conference in New Orleans attended by nearly 1,000 nursing and health care quality leaders, the award-winners demonstrated superior patient outcomes and high nurse job satisfaction on the 18 nursing-sensitive performance indicators tracked by NDNQI, such as hospital-acquired pressure ulcers, patient falls with injury, infections acquired as a result of hospitalization and nurse turnover. The winners are as follows:
• The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD – Academic Medical Center
• Poudre Valley Hospital, Fort Collins, CO – Teaching Hospital (3-time winner)
• Columbus Regional Hospital, Columbus, IN – Community Hospital
• Riley Hospital for Children, Indianapolis, IN – Pediatric Hospital
• MossRehab, Elkins Park, PA – Rehabilitation Hospital
• Western Psychiatric Institute & Clinic of UPMC, Pittsburgh, PA – Psychiatric Hospital
MORE. . .
ANA Awards Hospitals for Outstanding Nursing Quality/ Page 2…
“These hospitals exemplify the commitment, leadership, data analysis and efficient use of resources that are needed by nursing executives and bedside nurses to produce the best possible patient outcomes,” said ANA President Rebecca M. Patton, MSN, RN, CNOR. “The NDNQI program is all about using evidence from the reporting of outcomes to improve nursing care practices, staffing and systems for care delivery.”
Mary Wakefield, PhD, RN, Health Resources and Services Administration director and the top appointed nurse in the Obama Administration, told the gathering of hospital nursing administrators, staff nurses and quality specialists about the impact she envisions registered nurses having as the nation’s health care system undergoes change.
“Collecting health care data is vital to our mutual efforts to improve clinical performance and raise patient outcomes,” Wakefield said. "It is wonderful to be a part of this event to hear first-hand how nurses across the country are using data to improve quality and patient outcomes."
NDNQI’s principal investigator Nancy Dunton, PhD, University of Kansas School of Nursing research professor, reported that NDNQI-participating hospitals have shown significant improvement over the last three years on several key nursing quality indicators:
• Median hospital-acquired pressure ulcer rates on critical care units declined by 40 percent to 5 percent (half the hospitals had rates of 5 percent or less).
• Median injury fall rates on rehabilitation units declined by 18 percent to just less than 1 fall per 1,000 patient hospitalization days (half the hospitals had less than 1 fall).
NDNQI was established in 1998 as part of ANA’s National Center for Nursing Quality® (NCNQ®) measurement services. In any given quarter, more than 12,000 nursing units are reporting performance data. This data can be used to determine links between patient outcomes and nurse staffing levels and skill mix, leading to more effective staffing plans. NDNQI also measures nurse satisfaction with their job and practice environment through surveys. NDNQI is managed by the University of Kansas School of Nursing under contract to ANA.
For more information on NDNQI and other ANA quality-related programs, please visit:
# # # http://www.ncnq.org.
The ANA is the only full-service professional organization representing the interests of the nation's 2.9 million registered nurses through its constituent member nurses associations, its organizational affiliates, and its workforce advocacy affiliate, the Center for American Nurses. The ANA advances the nursing profession by fostering high standards of nursing practice, promoting the rights of nurses in the workplace, projecting a positive and realistic view of nursing, and by lobbying the Congress and regulatory agencies on health care issues affecting nurses and the public.
Nurse Volunteers Needed to Travel to Haiti - 1/20/2010
Colleagues,
We are working with Representative Ronald Brise' to create a list of names of nurses who would be willing to travel to Haiti. Please respond to this email with your name, contact information and your area of expertise. Please note that this in no way obligates you to go but if you think you would be able to at some point, please let us know. Feel free to share this information with other nurses who might be interested.
Click on wfuller@floridanurse.org to respond.
Thanks to all of you who have been inquiring about this opportunity to serve.
Willa
FNA Members-National Positions Open - 1/20/2010
NOMINATION TIMELINE:
Qualified registered nurses may become candidates by submitting their nomination packets. See below for
applicable dates including submission deadlines for inclusion in specific publications and notices to delegates,
CMAs and the IMD.
E-mail packets to anaelections@ana.org
Electronic signatures will be accepted
For those without electronic signatures, please fax your signature page only to 301-628-5343
1. February 1, 2010
Nomination packets received by this date will be:
a. Considered for initial slate of candidates prepared by the Nominating Committee
b. Included in the Candidate Profile Guide for publication in the March/April issue of The
American Nurse
c. Included in the online Candidate Profile Guide on March 1, 2010
d. Included in listserv notices sent to delegates
2. May 1, 2010
Nomination packets received by this date will be:
a. Included in the updated slate
b. Included in the Candidate Profile Guide online
c. Included in listserv notices sent to delegates
d. Included in the delegate onsite packets
3. May 2, 2010 - June 6, 2010
Nomination packets received by this date will be:
a. Included in a Statement of Views made available to delegates at the House registration table
4. June 7, 2010 – June 16, 2010
Nomination packets received by this date MUST BE SUBMITTED ONSITE only between 4:00 pm and
6:00 pm on June 16, 2010.
Qualified self-declared candidates and qualified individuals may be nominated from the floor of the
House of Delegates and/or be write-in candidates.
a. These candidates may self nominate or be nominated from the floor
b. Will be included on the ballot
Deliver packets onsite to:
The ANA Secretary
c/o the Leadership Services Department Workroom
Room # [See the final program for the correct room number and complete address at the
meeting facility.]
5. June 18, 2010 by 7:00 am
Write-in candidates are encouraged to submit their packet before polling starts at 7:00 am.
The Candidate Profiles Guide features, by office seeking, in alphabetical order, the name and credentials,
CMA or IMD membership, current employment, current and past CMA or IMD or ANA offices held,
statement of views and photograph (optional) of each slated candidate as of submission time for the
March/April issue of The American Nurse (TAN).
If you have any questions regarding the election process, please email anaelections@ana.org.
FNA NEW GRADUATE SURVEY - 1/20/2010
Many new graduates entered the workforce in the past TWO YEARS and FNA is anxious to find out what kind of experiences you have had. If you are a new grad, please assist FNA by participating in this brief survey. The survey is anonymous and results will be reported in and upcoming issue of The Florida Nurse.
Click here to take the survey. If you are not a new grad, please feel free to pass the survey onto new grads that you know. Thank you in advance for your assistance!
CLINICAL LABS MUST NOW ACCEPT ARNP ORDERS - 1/20/2010
The Florida Nurses Association (FNA) has long been a strong voice for healthcare advocacy in the state of Florida. For over 33 years, the FNA legislative program has served as the “go to” organization for issues related to nursing, access to healthcare and many other important issues. Much of FNA’s influence comes from the fact that nurses not only advocate for their own work environment, but also for the patients they care for.
In a unanimous House vote, Representative Luis Garcia passed SB 408 today. The bill amends the statute which requires Clinical Laboratories to accept human specimens on the order of an allopathic or osteopathic physician, physician assistant, dentist, naturopath, podiatrist, or chiropractor to include orders from advanced registered nurse practitioners (ARNPs). ARNPs provide primary care to healthy people, manage chronic illness and diagnose acute illnesses. ARNPs have been authorized to order laboratory tests under Florida law since 1996. Laboratory results from clinical laboratories are an integral part of the healthcare team’s ability to diagnose and treat. This new law will facilitate the flow of healthcare for Florida’s citizens and permit ARNPs to deliver the best care possible to their patients.
The Senate bill was passed by Senator Fasano on April 14, 2009 on the Senate floor. The bill will now be presented to Governor Charlie Crist.
H1N1 Updates - 1/15/2010
1
Weekly H1N1 Swine Flu Update
Version 1.1
For Immediate Release
January 14, 2010
2:00 PM Eastern
Contact: DOH Press Office
850-245-4111
As of 1/12/10 Florida cumulatively reported:
· 1,207 hospitalizations in persons with lab confirmed H1N1.
· 187 deaths reported with lab confirmed H1N1.
· Overall mortality with influenza or pneumonia remains slightly above the
expected value for the time of year.
Widespread influenza activity, the highest level in our system, was not reported by any
counties this week. Localized activity is reported in only 2 counties. The majority of
counties either reported sporadic or no activity. There is no evidence that the virus has
changed to a more virulent form, either in Florida, the rest of the U.S., or elsewhere in
the world.
Updated Swine Flu Deaths: 187
2
“A Message from the Surgeon General”
I am happy to share with everyone that this is the second week Florida has reported
no laboratory confirmed deaths from H1N1 flu. While this is encouraging information,
we must continue our fight against the flu and ask all Floridians to consider getting
their H1N1 and seasonal flu vaccinations.
By taking the time today to get vaccinated, you can help us continue to slow the
spread of flu in Florida.
Our flu season in Florida peaks in mid-February and at times continues into March and
beyond. It’s not too late for a vaccination to be effective and reduce the potential for a
third wave of infections.
The vaccine has proven to be very safe, and is the most effective method of protecting
yourself, your family and your community from the flu virus.
Our new outreach campaign, H1N1: Spread the word, not the flu, is designed to use a
variety of communication channels to bring this important message to Floridians.
Vaccine is available, it’s easy to find, and this is a good time to take a few minutes
from your daily schedule and get vaccinated.
But please don’t forget the preventative steps we have shared with you during the past
months:
· Stay home if you are sick, and keep your children home if they are sick.
· Cover your cough or sneeze.
· Wash your hands often.
By practicing these healthy habits, as well as well as getting your H1N1 and seasonal
vaccination, you can help us continue our progress fighting this flu and the potential for
a future third wave of infections.
For information about flu vaccination clinics in your community, please visit our web
page, www.myflusafety.com, or call us at 877 352 3581.
3
Disease Management
Public Stockpile
Antiviral Medications
Available
As of 1/08/10, Florida public stockpile includes 1,014,310
courses of antiviral medications in 5 formulations. 172,654
courses have been distributed to the County Health
Departments and of those, 14,051 have been dispensed.
Public Stockpile
Personal Protective
Equipment Available
As of 1/08/10, 2.9 million adult surgical masks, 266,550
pediatric surgical masks, 4.8 million N-95 masks, and 1.6
million gloves are stockpiled.
Public Stockpile
Personal Protective
Equipment
Distributed
As of 1/08/10, 311,930 total masks have been shipped.
Surgical masks shipped primarily to schools.
Communications:
· Florida Flu Information Line 1-877-352-3581
· As of 1/10/10, the Florida Flu Information Line has received 50,755 calls since August 24, 2009.
· As of 1/11/10, we had over 208,044 visitors to the Florida Department of Health
H1N1 website at www.myflusafety.com.
4
Mass Vaccination Campaign:
· Florida H1N1 Vaccination Campaign is voluntary
· FDA approved four manufacturers for H1N1 Vaccine
· With current reduction in vaccine amounts, supply is limited in the numbers and
formulation
Vaccine Availability Florida allocation as of 1/08/10 is 887,900 doses of
LAIV. Available doses: 0.
Florida allocation as of 1/08/10 of injectible multi- dose
vials is 4,897,600. Available vials: 1,649,700.
Florida allocation as of 1/08/10 of injectible single
dose syringes is 1,657,300. Available single doses:
599,200.
Providers began receiving initial orders of vaccine on
10/8/09. Vaccine is being made available to the
states as quickly as it is being manufactured. While
the vaccine amounts are less than what was
anticipated, the state continues to receive steady
shipments of vaccine to meet mass vaccination
campaign goals.
Public Mass Vaccination Clinics
Scheduled
Public clinics are posted at
http://www.myflusafety.com/myfluclinic.htm as dates
and locations are established.
Info from ANA on Haitian Assistance Efforts - 1/15/2010
The situation in Haiti continues to be very dire. Over a dozen aftershocks have occurred in the hours following the quake, with several registering over a 5.9 magnitude. Response efforts at this time are focused on search and rescue and the restoration of basic necessities, including communication. The U.S. Navy has deployed the U.S. aircraft carrier Carl Vincent to serve as a staging base to deliver equipment and relief supplies. We also know that the U.S. hospital ship, Comfort, will be deployed to the area very soon. Because of the continuing aftershocks and the general instability that results following an earthquake, access to the affected area is extremely limited. It is critically important that we recognize that this area is very unsafe for those who are not well trained in disaster response.
The American Nurses Association is keenly aware of the desire of U.S. nurses to respond to the tragedy that has occurred in Haiti. We are working closely with the federal government, non-governmental response community and other health professional associations to determine the type of assistance needed and when it might be safe to travel to Haiti. In particular, ANA has been in contact with ProjectHOPE, the American Red Cross, and the International Medical Corps. ANA has also communicated with the International Council of Nurses regarding the Association Nationale des Infirmières Licenciées d'Haïti, the ICN member. At this point, the ICN has been unable to communicate with the national nurses association leadership.
ANA will continue to communicate on a regular basis with the CMAs to provide accurate and up-to-date information. We will be exploring opportunities for nurses to travel to the region and provide assistance when it is deemed to be safe to do so and as part of an effort coordinated by those who are in the country and have assessed what is needed and when. It is also important to remember that we are in the initial stages of this crises, response will be needed by health care professional over the next many months to come. The secondary public health crises that will result from the earthquake will require significant resources in order to see a successful recovery for Haiti and its people.
Be on the look out for information specific to ANA’s efforts to assist the Haitian nurses. We will also be sending information about Just-in-time training that will help to prepare health care professionals who are responding.
ANA Receives Cultural Competency Grant - 1/8/2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ANA Receives Grant to Support Nurses’ Cultural Competency
Cultural Competency Program aims to help reduce health care disparities, increase patient satisfaction, and promote human dignity
SILVER SPRING, MD – As frontline health care professionals, registered nurses have a duty to communicate and interact effectively with the rich diversity of all the patients and families they serve. To that end, the American Nurses Association (ANA) is pleased to announce a grant from Pfizer Inc., to launch the ANA Cultural Competency Program. This initiative will compile and disseminate resources to nurses nationwide to raise awareness and build skills as they care for the full complexity of the United States population.
ANA believes that cultural competency is essential to high quality health care because it helps ensure fair and equitable treatment, particularly for individuals at the greatest risk for adverse health and financial consequences.
“It is vital to underscore that our most vulnerable neighbors are simultaneously the hardest hit by bias while being the least able to cope with the associated risks and consequences,” said ANA President Rebecca M. Patton, MSN, RN, CNOR. “Clearly, cultural competency is a major responsibility for nurses since it sits right at the nexus of health care and social justice. This program will be an important resource to enable nurses to acquire the requisite knowledge and behaviors to champion a culture of compassion in health care.”
Voted as the most trusted profession in an annual Gallup poll for eight of the past nine years, registered nurses are aptly positioned to build confidence on behalf of patients from all races, ethnicities, religions, demographics, lifestyles and belief systems who may be reticent to ask questions, express opinions and discuss options.
MORE…
ANA Receives Cultural Competency Program Grant/ page 2
“Cultural diversity is a great strength in the U.S.; the challenge is that since culture informs patients’ perceptions of illness, health and health care preferences, this necessitates health care professionals to learn each patient’s unique needs,” said Pfizer representative Paula R. DeCola, MSc, RN. “Pfizer appreciates the opportunity to support ANA’s program and shares its commitment to enhancing cultural competency among nurses and within health care systems.”
The ANA Cultural Competency Program will evaluate the existing cultural competency among nurses, and provide additional resources and guidance to enhance nursing practice. A section will be developed on ANA’s Web site, www.NursingWorld.org, dedicated to cultural competency resources, and will include anecdotal accounts of frontline experiences by ANA members.
# # #
The ANA is the only full-service professional organization representing the interests of the nation's 2.9 million registered nurses through its constituent member nurses associations, its organizational affiliates, and its workforce advocacy affiliate, the Center for American Nurses. The ANA advances the nursing profession by fostering high standards of nursing practice, promoting the rights of nurses in the workplace, projecting a positive and realistic view of nursing, and by lobbying the Congress and regulatory agencies on health care issues affecting nurses and the public.
FNA CELEBRATES 100 YEARS OF ADVOCACY - 10/6/2009
The Florida Nurses Association (FNA) celebrates 100 years of advocacy in 2009 and the association recognized all members at their Centennial Convention, September 23 – 26, at the TradeWinds Island Grand Resort in St. Pete Beach.
At the FNA Centennial Convention, FNA announced election results, scholarship and research grant recipients, inducted a Hall of Fame awardee, awarded the Legislator of the Year award and recognized 100 nurses at the Great 100 Nurses Gala. Over 800 attendees networked, attended learning sessions and exhibit hall and conducted Association business over the course of the Convention.
Charlotte Dison Inducted Into FNA Hall of Fame
On September 24, 2009, FNA inducted Charlotte Dison, RN in the FNA Hall of Fame. Charlotte is the image of a transformational leader who has shaped the lives of countless RNs and professional nursing within the state of Florida. Her work also extends nationally and internationally through the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Magnet Recognition Program. Through literature, conferences and other mediums, Charlotte led nursing through patient education, infection control, cardiac rehabilitation and oncology programs, architectural designs and renovation of patient care units and nurse-physician collaboration. She provided an empowered work environment and demonstrated business etiquette and professional ethics.
Charlotte Dison, RN is regarded as one of the pillars in the community and an advocate for RNs who temporarily left the clinical setting. Her proactive approach and commitment to education and patient care has not gone unnoticed. She is an inspiration to all nurses with her professionalism and commitment to nursing, and is an outstanding role model for the thousands of nurses whose lives she has touched throughout her career. FNA welcomes Charlotte Dison, RN into the FNA Hall of Fame.
FNA Awards Representative Luis Garcia as Legislator of the Year
In a unanimous House vote, Representative Luis Garcia passed SB 408 earlier this year. The bill amends the statute which requires Clinical Laboratories to accept human specimens on the order of an allopathic or osteopathic physician, physician assistant, dentist, naturopath, podiatrist, or chiropractor to include orders from advanced registered nurse practitioners (ARNPs). ARNPs provide primary care to healthy people, manage chronic illness and diagnose acute illnesses. ARNPs have been authorized to order laboratory tests under Florida law since 1996. Laboratory results from clinical laboratories are an integral part of the healthcare team’s ability to diagnose and treat. This new law will facilitate the flow of healthcare for Florida’s citizens and permit ARNPs to deliver the best care possible to their patients. FNA recognizes Representative Luis Garcia as 2009 FNA Legislator of the Year.
FNA Recognizes 100 Great Nurses
In 1986, P.K. Sheerle established the Great 100 Nurses of Louisiana in which nurses are nominated by patients, families and their peers to be recognized at a gala celebration each year. This year, in celebration of FNA's 100th anniversary as an organization, the FNA recognized 100 of its outstanding members. These nurses were nominated by their peers for excellence in diverse areas of nursing practice. A special commemorative pin and certificate were designed and presented to each honoree. Following, please find the list of FNA’s Great 100 Nurses in their categories of excellence.
Administration
Barbara Drummond-Huth, RN
Phyllis Floyd, RN, MBA
Willa Fuller, RN
Debra Hernke, RN
Sandra Janzen, MS, RN, FAAN
Lisa Johnson, MSN, RN
Kelly Miles, RN
Anne Peach, RN, MS, MSN, CNS
Mary Beth Reardon, RN, MS, NEA-BC
Rose Rivers, PhD, RN, CNAA
Lucy B. Trice, PhD, ARNP, FNP-BC
Susan V. White, PhD, RN
Advocacy
Mary Lou Brunell, RN, MS
Alice Clark, RN
Darlene Fritsma, ARNP
Andrea Gregg, DSN, RN
Deborah Hogan, MPH, RN
Barbara Lumpkin, RN
Vicki Marsee, RN, NEA-BC
Wynyard McDonald, RN
Bonnie Sklaren, ARNP
Clinical
Alison Brewer, ARNP
Heidy David-Robinson, ARNP
Yolanda Gertsch-Lapceuvic, ARNP
Olivia Hagos, RN
Tina Mason, ARNP
Mavra Pharis, RN
Pam Pieper, PhD, ARNP
Community
Banke Ayileka, RN
Joan Castleman, MSN, RN
Florence Deaner, RN
Inez Fielding, RN, BSN
Goldie Fralick, RN
Barbara Kruger, PhD, RN
Lillia Loriz, PhD, ARNP
Lolita Massengill, ARNP
M. Dee Williams, PhD, RN
Entrepreneur
Patricia Bemis, RN, CEN
Heather Monaghan, RN, MHSC
Jo Manion, PhD, RN
Education
William Ahrens, MSN, RN
Carol Blakeman, ARNP
Cynthia Blum, PhD, RN, CNE
Cynthia Boucher, MSN, RN
Mary Kathleen Ebener, PhD, RN
Linda Hennig, EdD, RN
Bonnie Hesselberg, EdD, ARNP
Mary Jane Hopkins, ARNP, MSN
Claydell Horne, PhD, RN
Cecilia Jevitt, CNM, PhD
Jean Kijek, PhD, RN
John McDonough, CRNA, EdD, ARNP
Barbara Redding, EdD, RN
Maria Seidel, ARNP
Mary Tittle, PhD, ARNP
Jean Wortock, PhD, RN
Jo Snider, EdD, RN
Research
Kathaleen Bloom, PhD, CNM
Jennifer Elder, PhD, RN, FAAN
Shirley Gordon, PhD, RN
Sande Gracia Jones, PhD, ARNP, FAAN
John Lowe, PhD, RN, FAAN
Audrey Nelson, PhD, RN, FAAN
Roberta Vallish, ARNP
Role Model
Mary Bear, PhD, RN
Linda Bell, ARNP
Valerie Browne-Krimsley, EdD, RN, CNE
Patricia Burns, PhD, RN, FAAN
Doreen Cassarino, ARNP
Pamela Chally, PhD, RN
Mary Clark, ARNP
Carol Cobb, RN
Suzanne Edgett Collins, PhD, JD, RN
Mary Colvin, RN, PhD
Paz David, RN
Judith Davies, RN
Charlotte Dison, RN, MSN
Frances Downs, MSN, RN
Mary Evans, PhD, RN
Kay Fullwood, ARNP
Leigh Hart, PhD, ARNP-BC
Sally Karioth Petersen, PhD, RN
Deirdre Krause, PhD, ARNP, FNP-BC
Susan Leger-Krall, PhD, ARNP
Cecile Lengacher, PhD, RN
Jean Leuner, PhD, RN, CNE
Patricia Liehr, RN
Kathleen Long PhD, APRN, FAAN
Eugene Majka, ARNP
Marsha Martin, RN
Katherine Mason, EdD, RN
Patricia Messmer, PhD, RN, FAAN
Doreen Perez, RN
Bobbie Jean Primus-Cotton, PhD, RN
Germina Rio, DNS, CPH, ARNP
Barbara Russell, RN, MPH, CIC
Sharon Smith, RN
Mary Lou VanCott, PhD, RN
Elizabeth Wajdowicz, PhD, RN
Sandra Walsh, PhD, RN
FNA Centennial Convention sponsors are Arthur L. Davis Publishing Agency, Inc., University of Phoenix, Florida Hospital College of Health Services, Sophia Palmer Nurses RRG, Inc., Keiser University, University of Florida College of Nursing, VITAS Innovative Hospice Care, Sanofi Pasteur, Clinical Guard, Florida International University Nursing and Health Sciences and Guldmann, Inc.
FNA 2009-2011 BOD ANNOUNCED - 9/30/2009
The Florida Nurses Association (FNA) is pleased to release the names of their 2009-2011 Board of Directors. Since voting for significant structural association changes at the 2009 Centennial Convention, this group of leaders will play a crucial role in making an impact in the future of nursing. The 2009-2011 FNA Board of Directors is:
President: Andrea C. Gregg, RN, DSN, Jacksonville, FL
First Vice President: Bonnie C. Sklaren, ARNP, Gulfport, FL
Second Vice President: Debra Hunt, ARNP, Clermont, FL
Secretary: Mary Lou Brunell, RN, Apopka, FL
Treasurer: Mavra Kear, PhD, ARNP, Lakeland, FL
Director-at-Large: Cynthia B. Boucher, RN, Gainesville, FL
Director-at-Large: Edward T. Briggs, ARNP, St. Petersburg, FL
Director-at-Large: Annmarie J. Farro, RN, Summerfield, FL
Director-at-Large: Vicky Stone Gale, ARNP, Davie, FL
Director-at-Large: Deirdre Krause, PhD, Loxahatchee, FL
Director-at-Large: Daniel Little, PhD, ARNP, Miami, FL
Director-at-Large: Barbara Russell, RN, Miami, FL
Director-at-Large: George Byron Smith, ARNP, Tampa, FL
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