The coming of the New Year is a time for reflection with a look back on accomplishments as well as a look forward to new goals.
For me, our focus on advocating for the CNS over the last 10 months has been more successful than I could have imagined. We tackled ICAN legislation, organized the first global CNS Summit and engaged with the US Department of Labor about the CNS classification. Our advocacy in the form of awareness of the CNS role and its importance increased with podcast appearances, the "Ask Phee Phee" blog and the creation of the "Achievement Board" among many other activities.
Everything we have created and executed was focused on advocating for the CNS - for you.
ICAN... WE CAN
One of the most important advocacy initiatives is our work on the ICAN Act.
WHY IS THE ICAN ACT IMPORTANT TO ALL CNSs?
This is a great example of how CNSs can advocate for themselves. This legislation is geared toward advanced practice nurses (APRNs) and takes away a lot of the limitations APRNs have previously faced. This act ensures that APRNs get fair payment and get the proper reimbursement for what they need for their patients. ICAN advances the advanced practice domain for all APRNs, but specifically CNSs. This act goes directly with the APP Hospice CTI Survey that was created in April 2022. This survey is not yet public, but it directly correlates with hospice end-of-life services and CNSs access to the proper care tools. This survey had large participation from CNSs, which further shows how important the ICAN Act is for all CNSs.
WHAT ARE SOME GOOD ICAN ACT RESOURCES?
Some of the best resources can be found on the NACNS website as the legislation continues to move forward. To write to your legislator, follow this link on the NACNS website https://nacns.org/nursing-news/urge-your-representative-to-co-sponsor-this-bill-
This legislation is everywhere, you can find more information with a simple google search, or on the ANA website.
WHAT CAN CNSs DO TODAY TO HELP PASS ICAN?
The most important step is to contact your legislator using the link above. The next most important action to take is to add your voice on social media with the ICAN photo as I did here. Pass along this photo to your fellow nurses and tell them to join the conversation. The most important part of this legislation is to keep the conversation going until it is approved. Never stop advocating!
NACNS GOES GLOBAL
NACNS hosted an International CNS Summit November 16th. We had a fantastic turnout with over 30 CNSs registered from around the globe. Our goal was simple[horizontal ellipsis]. provide a forum for international discussion about the CNS role and practice.
* Share ideas related to clinical nurse specialist practice, education, and regulation.
* Learn from colleagues across the globe.
* Expand the possibilities for the clinical nurse specialist role.
* Network with colleagues.
* Explore opportunities and challenges.
* Discover the unique ways clinical nurse specialists are meeting global health challenges.
CNSs are making a difference around the globe and NACNS wants to hear their ideas, issues and opportunities. Together we are STRONGER! We are GLOBAL!
GETTING IT RIGHT
Hopefully, you were selected to complete the Department of Labor CNS survey to identify that CNSs have been misclassified as RNs not APRNs. NACNS is continuing to diligently work on rectifying this mistake. I met with representatives from RTI International to collaborate as we continue our journey for APRN recognition.
NPI NUMBER HELPS "GET IT RIGHT" AND IT'S FREE
If you have not already obtained your National Provider Identifier (NPI) please do so TODAY at https://nppes.cms.hhs.gov/#. It is critical to quantify our numbers and values as we need to be recognized as advanced practice registered nurses by the Occupational Employment Wage Statistics (OEWS) formally the Standard Classification Standard which will be updated in 2024.
ANNUAL CONFERENCE IN TWO MONTHS
Please mark your calendar for the upcoming NACNS 2023 Annual Conference, March 8-11 in beautiful Portland, Oregon. The theme is Unstoppable Advocacy! I hope to see you there. Please consider asking a colleague and/or friend to attend. It will be a time to celebrate our advocacy and unique contribution to healthcare. https://nacns.org/news-events/annual-conference/2023-annual-conference/.
In conclusion, we plan to build on our past successes in the new year and will continue the theme and actions of 2022: Unstoppable Advocacy.
I will not stop advocating for CNSs[horizontal ellipsis]for YOU. Together we advocate for our patients, nursing organizations and ourselves. Together we are UNSTOPPABLE ADVOCATES.
Wishing you a happy and healthy 2023,
Phyllis Whitehead, PhD, CNS/APRN, ACHPN, PMGT-BC, FNAP, FAAN
President, NACNS