This past spring has been an active time for the National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists (NACNS). I want to take this opportunity to share with you about a few key meetings attended and a couple of outreach tactics proven successful for the organization. This is to ensure that you know you are represented and being heard throughout the nursing community.
On April 9, Melinda Mercer Ray, executive director, and I attended the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) Roundtable sponsored by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing in Chicago. The agenda provided an update on the progress of state APRN legislation, identifying the 6 states that meet all requirements for the APRN Regulatory Consensus Model at this time. The maps with the information are located on the National Council of State Boards of Nursing Web site. Illinois and Missouri will be piloting an APRN national database, similar to NURSY for registered nurses nationally. Duke and Rush presented an overview of their Graduate Nurse Education projects. Although exciting, it was disappointing to learn that much of the focus, particularly in the Rush program, has been on precepting and placement of NP students in ambulatory settings as well as acute care. A panel highlighted some of the barriers that are being experienced. Voiced by several organizations was the need to discuss and include all 4 advanced practice roles when focusing on the advanced practice nurse.
Our immediate past president, Rachel Moody, attended the 2013 Doctor of Nursing Practice Summit: National Dialogue on Quality and Education in DNP Education in Chicago, April 15 to 16. Currently, there are 211 DNP programs in 44 states, and approximately 100 programs are under development. Presentations reflected work that focused on systems leadership, clinical experts, outcomes, evidence-based practice, and leaders of change. Does this sound familiar? It is our work, the work of a clinical nurse specialist (CNS). Rachel publicly identified the need for the CNS to be included in presentations, identifying all 4 of the advanced practice roles, so that it is clear the DNP is for "advance practice nursing practice" as stated in the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) position statement.
On May 10, Melinda Mercer Ray, executive director, and Stephen Patten and Peggy Barksdale, co-chairpersons of the Family/Individual Across the Lifespan Competency Work Group, and I met with key stakeholders in Washington, DC, to continue discussion about the APRN Consensus Model and the competencies as they move to the validation panel. The stakeholders represented the American Nurses Credentialing Center, AACN, National Association of Neonatal Nurses, Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation, National Board for Certification of Hospice and Palliative Nurses, and Association of Women's Health, Obstetric, and Neonatal Nurses. It was a productive meeting and provided us the opportunity to critically examine next steps. The Validation Panel will hold its first meeting this summer.
Washington, DC, was the site of the Organizational Affiliates Meeting on June 27, followed by the American Nurses Association (ANA) Member Assembly on June 28 and 29. There has been a tremendous response to the ANA's Professional Issues Panels. This is an opportunity for nurses to actively participate and engage "in a nimble and effective way in setting policy" on key issues facing nursing and healthcare, according to Cheryl Peterson, director, Nursing Practice and Policy, ANA. The application process to serve on the Alarm Fatigue Panel will close July 5, 2013. If you are interested in serving on a panel in the future, Cheryl suggests you should seriously consider what you write regarding "why you should be selected to serve on the panel." Suzy Harrington, director for Health, Safety, and Wellness, ANA, reported on the ANA's Healthy Nurse Program and Safe Patient Handling and Mobility Interprofessional Standards. Continuing on a similar theme for the safety of staff was JoAnn Lazarus, president of the Emergency Nurses Association, who reported on "Violence Against Nurses in the Health Care Setting: Evidence and Response by the Emergency Nurses Association." This was followed by Pam Carter, president of the American Association of Occupational Health Nurses, who presented their work, "Smoking Survey and Development of Resource Tools." There is significant concern for all nurses' health and well-being. I believe there is much opportunity for collaborative work efforts and research in this area that CNSs may currently be involved in or could be.
The ANA Member Assembly was the first in the era of governance restructuring and reduction undertaken by ANA last year. I was able to actively participate in a small group as part of an environmental scanning session where serious consideration was given to providing solutions for future healthcare delivery, nursing education, and practice. Karen Daley, ANA president, and Maria Weston, chief executive officer, provided inspiring remarks regarding the work of the organization and what the future holds.
Within our own organization, task forces, work groups, and committees are all actively working to fulfill their charges. Reports from these groups all return to the Board of Directors for consideration and planning for next steps. This is vital work for NACNS and I am so excited with the progress that is occurring. Look for updates from their work very soon.
Our staff has expanded this year. In addition to our executive director, we have Jason Harbonic, managing director, Fernley & Fernley; Pamela Mittelstadt, MS, RN, association consultant; Maureen Shekelton, PhD, RN, association consultant; Kathleen A. Ream, KAR Associates, Inc, DC Government Affairs Firm; and Gretchen Wright and Lucy Manning, PR Solutions, Inc, a public relations firm. As the board maintains fiscal mindedness, NACNS has expanded carefully and slowly recognized that there are limitations yet fulfilling the mission of NACNS. Please look for upcoming reports that will highlight the critical work being done on your behalf.
An outreach tactic that has proven to be highly successful this year is the exhibition of NACNS at key professional meetings. This spring, NACNS has had a presence at the National Student Nurses' Association and at the AACN National Teaching Institute. Melinda and Jason, respectively, were the voices of NACNS, answering many questions and providing information to crowds. In addition, NACNS press releases have circulated, and preparation for NACNS week this fall is occurring.
In closing, I am looking forward to the NACNS Summit this July, an open discussion on specialty for the CNS, and ongoing work to facilitate the transition to the APRN Consensus Model for all CNSs. I wish for each of you a time of fun and relaxation during the summer to rejuvenate and refresh your body, mind, and spirit.
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CLINICAL NURSE SPECIALISTS NEWS
New Partnerships for NACNS
In response to an NACNS membership survey on the association's Mission and Goals, the membership articulated its interest in increasing the visibility of the clinical nurse specialist (CNS) role and NACNS to a variety of audiences. In order to meet this acknowledged need, the NACNS Board of Directors has contracted with 2 cutting-edge firms to assist with messaging and representation.
For Government Affairs work, NACNS is working with KAR Associates, Inc. This firm was founded in 1997 and is a full-service government relations firm. They have the resources to be able to work with NACNS to execute our advocacy and external relations agenda. They will be focusing on federal government affairs work and specifically will represent NACNS before Congress, regulatory agencies, and with DC-based advocacy coalitions.
NACNS has contracted with PR Solutions-a women-owned public relations firm that specializes in working with nonprofit organizations on health, education, women's, and similar issues-to conduct a communications audit. That audit includes interviews with NACNS members, staff, and leadership, as well as representatives of allied organizations. The auditors are also reviewing NACNS's communications processes and vehicles and will develop a series of recommendations, which they will present in a report along with their findings and a communications plan for the association. While working on the audit, PR Solutions is also providing media support to NACNS.
NACNS Annual Meeting
The NACNS's 2013 Annual Meeting on the Riverwalk in San Antonio was a big success. Focusing on the Progression of the role of the CNS. The meeting allowed NACN members to meet with colleagues and network. Standing room only was seen at presentations that focused on CNS working in transition of care environments. A record-breaking 541 participants attended this meeting.
The next NACNS Annual Meeting is just around the corner. The NACNS 2014 Annual Conference will be held at the Orlando World Center Marriott in Orlando, Florida, March 6 to 8, 2014. Abstract submission opened in July with a due date of September 11. Visit http://www.nacns.org for more information as it becomes available.
ASSOCIATION NEWS
NLN Announces Plan for New Accreditation Arm
At the end of February, the National League for Nursing (NLN) leadership announced plans for a new accreditation department in response to the needs of the nursing education community and the nursing profession. On February 19, 2013, the NLN Board of Governors reaffirmed the intent to move forward with the development of this critical initiative.
"The NLN's mission to advance the health of the nation cannot be achieved without a commitment to the best nursing education possible," said NLN president Judith Halstead, PhD, RN, FAAN, ANEF. "The league's new accreditation department will help achieve that goal."
Added NLN CEO Beverly Malone, PhD, RN, FAAN, "This transformative initiative is another facet of the NLN's upcoming move to Washington, DC. It is essential that our new NLN Home for Transformative Excellence encompasses the full spectrum of nursing education and includes accreditation services that are permeated with the League's core values of caring, integrity, diversity, and excellence."
ANA Staffing Conference November 8-9, 2013, in Washington, DC
The American Nurses Association will be hosting a conference to bring together recognized leaders and executives from a variety of organizations to share their most successful staffing ideas and proven strategies. Be there to leverage their latest thinking on innovative staffing models, leading practices, strategies, and practical solutions. Come pick their minds. Share your thoughts. Then take all that you learn and put it into practice at your own hospital.
NEWS FROM OUR AFFILIATES
Northeast New York Clinical Nurses Specialist Group
On May 22, CNSs from Albany, Plattsburgh, Syracuse, and Rochester visited the NY State Assembly and Senate to lobby for CNS Title Protection. Late in the legislative session, the bill was passed by both the NY Assembly and Senate, and they are now awaiting signature by Governor Cuomo.
From left to right: Kathleen Gallichio, MS, RN, CCRN, CNS at St Peter's Hospital, Albany, New York; recent past president, current treasurer, and charter member of Northeast NY Chapter NACNS. Kathleen Carey, MS, RN, CNS-BC, CCRN, CNS at CVPH Medical Center, Plattsburgh, New York; charter president and member of Northeast NY Chapter NACNS. Michael Allain, MS, RN, CCRN, CEN, CNS at Crouse Hospital, Syracuse, New York; member, Upstate NY Chapter NACNS. Todd Olrich, MS, RN, CNS at Crouse Hospital, Syracuse, New York; member, Upstate NY Chapter NACNS. Carol Anne Kozik, MS, FNP, CNS, assistant clinical professor College of Nursing at SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York; member, Upstate NY Chapter NACNS. Melanie Kalman, PhD, RN, CNS, professor, assistant dean of Research & Scholarship, College of Nursing at SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York; member, Upstate NY Chapter NACNS. Beth Helvig, MS, RN, CWOCN, CNS, Rochester General Hospital, New York; will be a charter member of Western NY Chapter NACNS when organization process is complete. Ann Hendrickson, MS, RN, CNS, patient service leader at SUNY Upstate Medical University Hospital, Syracuse, New York; member, Upstate NY Chapter NACNS.
VIRTUAL VA NATIONSWIDE CLINICAL NURSE SPECIALIST GROUP
Jeff Albaugh, urology CNS at the Jesse Brown (Chicago, Illinois) VAMC, was recently appointed the Director of Sexual Health at NorthShore University Health System. Mr Albaugh also is the author of Reclaiming Sex & Intimacy after Prostate Cancer Treatment: A Guide for Men and Their Partners (Anthony J. Jannetti Publishing, 2012). His recent presentations include "Evaluation and Management of Testosterone Deficiency" and "PSA Testing as Screening for Prostate Cancer: The Current Controversy, to Test or Not to Test?" at the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Annual Conference (Las Vegas, Nevada, June 21, 2013), "What Every Man & His Partner Should Know: Prostate Cancer Awareness and Survivorship" at the Cancer Support Community of Greater St Louis/Prostate Net (St Peters, Missouri, May 23, 2013), "Sex & Intimacy after Prostate Cancer" at the Chicago Metro Society of Urologic Nurses & Associates Annual Meeting (Oakbrook, Illinois, April 27, 2013), and "Male Sexual Health and Reproduction" at the Society of Urologic Nurses & Associates Annual Symposium (Savannah, Georgia, March 7, 2013).
Deborah L. Rovito, spinal cord injury CNS at the Louis Stokes (Cleveland, Ohio) VAMC, has been awarded the Secretary of Veterans Affairs Award for Excellence in Nursing/Expanded Role. This award can be received once in a lifetime and is one of the major honors for nurses working in the Department of Veterans Affairs. Mrs. Rovito received her award from Secretary Shinseki at a July 1, 2013, ceremony in Washington, DC.
Janet G. Campbell, nurse manager at the Durham (North Carolina) VAMC, has been selected by NACNS and AWHONN to serve on the Women's Health/Gender Specific CNS Competencies validation panel.
Linda M. Bay, progressive care CNS at the Clement J. Zablocki (Milwaukee, Wisconsin) VAMC, has been elected treasurer for the American Association of Critical Care Nurses. Her 1-year term as treasurer began July 1, 2013. Linda is currently on the AACN Board of Directors.
MEMBERS NEWS
Washington, DC (June 27, 2013)-The American Academy of Nursing of Nursing has selected 172 nurse leaders for induction as Fellows during the Academy's 40th annual meeting on October 19, 2013, in Washington, DC.
The Academy is composed of more than 2000 nurse leaders in education, management, practice, policy, and research. The Academy Fellows include hospital and government administrators, college deans, and renowned scientific researchers.
Selection criteria include evidence of significant contributions to nursing and healthcare and sponsorship by 2 current Academy Fellows. Applicants are reviewed by a panel composed of elected and appointed Fellows, and selection is based, in part, on the extent the nominee's nursing careers influenced health policies and the heath and well-being of all. New Fellows will be eligible to use the credentials FAAN (Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing) after their induction in October.
NACNS would like to congratulate our following members as recipients of this honor. Kathy Baldwin, PhD, RN, ACNSRN-BC, ANPRN-BC, GNPRN-BC, Texas Health Resources; Dianne Cooney Miner, PhD, RN, St John Fisher College, New York; Peggy Doheny, PhD, RN, ONC, CNE, Kent State University, Ohio; Suzy Lockwood, PhD, RN, OCN, Texas Christian University; and Sue Sendelbach, PhD, RN, CCNS, FAHA, Abbott Northwestern Hospital, Minnesota.
CALL FOR NEWS ITEMS
If you have information you want to share about yourself, your NACNS peers, or your affiliate/affiliate peers, please send the news item to Tanya D. Williams at [email protected].