F o 1 0 urse

[Pages:24]Phone 334-262-8321

You for Ove

Caring for

r 100 Years

Nurse

December 2014, January & February 2015

Volume 41 Issue 4



Provided to Alabama's Nursing Community and Funded by the Alabama State Nurses Association.

Inside Alabama Nurse

Circulation to more than 82,000 Registered Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses and Student Nurses in Alabama Alabama State Nurses Association ? 360 North Hull Street ? Montgomery, AL 36104

Hospital Nurse Leader New ASNA President

First male president in the 101 year history

of ASNA

Page 4

March 11, 2015 -

Nurses Day at the Capitol - 10am-12 Noon

Montgomery, AL

April 14, 2015 -

Elizabeth A. Morris Clinical Education

Sessions - FACES `15 - Montgomery, AL

May 16, 2015 -

ASNA 2015 Annual End-of-Life

Symposium - Huntsville, AL

October 1-3, 2015 ASNA Annual Convention Perdido Beach, AL

SADVAETET!HE

JOIN ASNA

swipe this QR tag or go to



Index

ASNA Board of Directors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 ASNA 2014 Convention. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-16 CE Corner. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-21 ED's Notes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Legal Corner. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 LPN Corner. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Membership News. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7 President's Message. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Save These Dates. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

current resident or

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage Paid

Princeton, MN Permit No. 14

To Order ?

Page 2 ? The Alabama Nurse

December 2014, January, February 2015



Published by:

Arthur L. Davis Publishing Agency, Inc.

NOTICE!

State agencies will be closed on the following dates: Thursday, December 25, 2014 Friday, December 26, 2014 Thursday, January 1, 2015

The Alabama Board of Nursing is a state agency and will be closed on these dates as well. Registered Nurses who have not renewed should carefully note the dates. Following the Christmas holiday, the last day the Board office will be open is Wednesday, December 31, 2014.

The law states that any RNs license not renewed as of December 31, 2014 (at midnight) shall automatically lapse. Online renewal is available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week at abn.. There is a late fee for those RN's who wait until December 2014 to renew.

PUBLICATION

The Alabama Nurse Publication Schedule for 2014-2015

Issue

Material Due to ASNA Office

Mar/April/May

January 12, 2015

June/July/Aug

April 27, 2015

Sep/Oct/Nov

August 3, 2015

Dec 2015/Jan/Feb 2016 October 26, 2015

Guidelines for Article Development The ASNA welcomes articles for publication. There is no payment for articles published in The Alabama Nurse.

1. Articles should be Microsoft Word using a 12 point font.

2. Article length should not exceed five (5) pages 8 x 11.

3. All reference should be cited at the end of the article ? not in body.

4. Articles should be submitted electronically.

Submissions should be sent to: edasna@ or Editor, The Alabama Nurse

Alabama State Nurses Association 360 North Hull Street Montgomery, AL 36104

ASNA reserves the right to not publish submissions.

NURSES DAY AT THE CAPITOL March 11, 2015 Montgomery, Alabama

The Alabama Legislature has many new faces after the November election. In this first year of their term, we want to send a message that nurses are engaged and participating in advocacy for the profession and for the highest standards in patient care. This year's event will have a selection of several educational forums about healthcare and public policy followed by a rally in front of the Alabama State House. Mark your calendar for the morning of the 11th. Let your voice be heard.

THE ASNA OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED FOR BUSINESS DECEMBER 24, 2014 THROUGH

JANUARY 1, 2015

Our normal office hours are Monday ? Friday 8 a.m. until 4 p.m.

RNs

South Baldwin Regional Medical Center located on the beautiful Gulf Coast in Foley, Alabama, has Full-Time positions available

immediately in the following areas: Med/Surg, Critical Care, Labor & Delivery, ED and Weekend positions

available in some areas.

We offer a competitive salary and benefit package. For immediate consideration, please apply on-line at:



South Baldwin Regional Medical Center 1613 N. McKenzie St. Foley, AL 36535

EOE M/F/D

ASNA would like to extend our sympathy to the family of

Genesia Rucker

Alabama nurse

ASNA Board of Directors

President:

Brian Buchmann, BSN, RN, MBA

President-Elect: Rebecca Huie, DNP, ACNP

Vice President: Diane Buntyn, MSN, RN, OCN

Secretary:

Donna Everett, RN, BSN, CIC

Treasurer:

Debbie Litton, RN, MSN, MBA

District 1:

Sarah Wilkinson, MSN, BA, RN

District 2:

Julie Savage Jones, MSN, RN-BC

District 3:

Wanda Spillers, DNP, RN, CCM

District 4:

Erica Elkins Little, MSN, RN

District 5:

Tammy Smith, MSN, RN

Commission on

Professional Issues: Marilyn Sullivan,

DSN, RN, CPE, FCN

Special Interest Group:

Wanda Spillers, DSN, RN, CCM

Advance Practice

Council:

Charlotte Wynn, MSN, CRNP, Chair

ASNA Staff

Executive Director, Dr. John C. Ziegler, MA, D. MIN Director Leadership Services,

Charlene Roberson, MEd, RN-BC ASNA Attorney, Don Eddins, JD Administrative Coordinator, Betty Chambliss Programs Coordinator, April Bishop, BS, ASIT

Our Vision

ASNA is the professional voice of all registered nurses in Alabama.

Our Values

? Modeling professional nursing practices to other nurses

? Adhering to the Code of Ethics for Nurses ? Becoming more recognizably influential as an

association ? Unifying nurses ? Advocating for nurses ? Promoting cultural diversity ? Promoting health parity ? Advancing professional competence ? Promoting the ethical care and the human dignity of

every person ? Maintaining integrity in all nursing careers

Our Mission

ASNA is committed to promoting excellence in nursing.

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) 6264081, sales@. ASNA 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 Alabama 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. ASNA 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 ASNA or those of the national or local associations.

The Alabama Nurse is published quarterly every March, June, September and December for the Alabama State Nurses Association, 360 North Hull Street, Montgomery, AL 36104

? Copyright by the Alabama State Nurses Association. Alabama State Nurses Association is a constituent member of the American Nurses Association.

December 2014, January, February 2015

The Alabama Nurse ? Page 3

The President's message

Ebola and Beyond - The Need for Unity

Happy Holidays

Brian Buchmann, BSN, RN, MBA

Hello Alabama nurses! As I start my term as ASNA President, I want you to know it is my privilege to serve you and serve with you in continuing our mission to promote excellence in nursing. Your ASNA Executive Board will be meeting soon to create the 2015 Strategic Plan based on input from many of you. Our strategic plan will guide our action in meeting our mission for excellence. There are many health care challenges facing Brian Buchmann nurses today and there will be more in the future. Nursing and our health care system are ever changing. This is a perfect time for Alabama nurses to stand out as health care leaders in our state and nation. We have the knowledge, skills, expertise and passion to lead the way in improving our health care system, our nursing profession, the care we provide to our patients, and the communities we serve. We can only accomplish these goals by working together and aligning our voices and abilities. If Alabama nurses join ASNA and work together we can continue our journey to excellence.

Recently, health care associations and leaders from across our state and nation have united to address issues such as Ebola and other health care concerns. During difficult times people tend to join forces because there is strength in numbers and consistency. For months now, the ASNA has been monitoring CDC bulletins, the American Nurses Association's alerts, the Alabama Department of

Public Health advisories, and has communicated with other associations such as the Alabama Hospital Association and the Alabama Board of Nursing. The ASNA goal is to remain informed regarding any health care challenges impacting Alabama nurses and to communicate these findings to Alabama nurses. Regarding Ebola, the ASNA encourages all Alabama Nurses to keep updated on the latest infection control information and guidelines, work with health care agencies to develop proper isolation plans, and to be advocates for appropriate preparation and training for all health care workers.

Unity is a necessary ingredient to improve our health care system. Unity with other health care associations is necessary but, to meet the goals mentioned above for our state it will require the unity of all Alabama nurses. This unity is created by joining our professional state organization; the ASNA. Strength does come from numbers and consistency. Nursing is not only recognized as the most trusted profession, we are the largest profession in the health care system. We have a responsibility to stand up as leaders and use our expertise to help determine health care policy, new innovations, and best-practice interventions that will meet the ever changing needs of those we serve.

As your ASNA President, I am calling out to all Alabama nurses asking you to join ASNA so we can unite our voices and work together as the largest health care profession to lead the way for excellence in our health care system and for our state.

ASNA's thoughts and prayers go out to all patients, families, communities, nurses, and health care workers who professionally and passionately face the challenges presented by various infectious diseases and other health care challenges on a daily basis. We are Alabama nurses, let's stand together united!

April, Betty, Charlene,

Don and John

From the ASNA Staff

WALLACE COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Dothan, AL

2015 Continuing Ed Courses (Call 334-556-2414 to register)

Train the Trainer $399.00

February 10-11 May 12-13

August 11-12 November 3-4

All classes Tuesday and Wednesday, 8:00 A.M. - 3:00 P.M.

? Location: Wallace CEWD Bldg. (5565 Montgomery Hwy) ? CEUs: 1.2 ? Course limited to 12 nurses.

The Alabama Board of Nursing has two nursing positions available, Full or Part-Time:

NURSE WORKFORCE RESEARCHER ? 40654

Salary: $59,517.60 - $90,724.80 ? Earned Doctorate degree from an accredited college or university in

Nursing or a closely related field. ? Six years of experience within an agency providing or supervising the

provision of health services.

Position conducts research related to nursing workforce and regulation of nursing. Previous research can be reviewed on the Board's website, abn..

NURSING CONSULTANT, Full Time ? 40652-- GENERAL PRACTICE OPTION ? 341

Salary: $52,663.20 - $90,724.80

? Master's degree or higher from an accredited four-year college or university in Nursing

? Six years of current professional nursing practice experience including one year as a clinical instructor or nurse educator and one year as a nursing service manager or supervisor.

Position includes reviewing legal case files to determine if disciplinary action should occur, and writing reports for the Board relating to disciplinary actions. Also involves testifying at administrative hearings as an expert witness.

Both positions are permanent, located in Montgomery, require travel.

Apply through the State Personnel Department and use the State Application. personnel.state.al.us Nursing Consultant can apply online. Nurse Workforce Researcher should apply via paper application.

Advance Your Career with Online Courses for Working Nurse Professionals.

Take online classes from home and complete clinical requirements in your community

(limited campus visits).

OPTIONS OFFERED: ? RN to BSN ? BSN to MSN ? post MSN to DNP ? RN to MSN ? BSN to DNP ? Post Graduate Certificates

AREAS OF SPECIALIZATION: ? Clinical Nurse Leader ? Nursing Administration ? Nurse Practitioner

(various areas) ? Clinical Nurse Specialist ? Nursing Informatics

SUBSPECIALTIES: ? Cardiovascular ? Oncology ? Palliative Care ? Nursing Education

southalabama.edu/colleges/con

Page 4 ? The Alabama Nurse

Legal Corner

December 2014, January, February 2015

The E.D.'s Notes

Just Tell the Truth When Called to Testify

Hospital Nurse Leader is New ASNA President

Don Eddins, BS, MS, JD

What do you do when you're subpoenaed to testify in court of law or at a deposition? As ASNA attorney, I'm often quizzed on what approach to take for under-oath testimony.

First, stay calm ? both when you receive the notice and when you testify. Court trials and depositions happen. The attorney who summons you is just doing his/her job in seeking creditable evidence.

With regard to any sworn testimony, I always advise my clients to tell the truth. If you lie under oath to cover up a mistake, then you have two problems ? the original mistake and the false testimony. Tailor explanations in the best light for yourself without telling a falsehood. You absolutely want to convey the information in a way that is best for you, but you do not want to make a statement that could come back to haunt you.

And remember, if you lie under oath to help a friend or relative, you have placed yourself at risk for a perjury charge.

Also, be cognizant of the fact that when you tell the truth during a deposition, you don't have to try to recollect what you stated later at trial. If you make an untrue statement, you might have difficulty remembering details of the lie you made up.

Our American system of justice essentially is an honor system. It's predicated upon the availability of accurate information and testimony. In absence of reliable evidence, the system fails.

But I should add that you never are compelled to testify against yourself or your spouse. If you fear that you have done something that is against the law, you do not have to implicate yourself. You can "take the fifth," as they say, since the 5th Amendment to the United States Constitution shields you against self-incrimination.

I caution my clients to only answer the questions that they are asked. When a witness starts volunteering a lot of information that is when things can go awry.

And don't get angry because you don't like the question. Remember, when a person becomes angry, he loses his/her ability to think clearly. An angry witness often says things under oath that he/she regrets later.

Another thing is that if you don't know the answer to a question answer that you don't know. Don't give an opinion. If you can't remember something, state that you can't remember ? don't give an answer that may or may not be accurate.

When summoned to testify, it is wise to consult with an attorney ? both for a criminal and civil matter. The lawyer most likely will help you go over details and organize matters on which you can and cannot testify.

Of course, if you are a member of the Alabama State Nurses Association you are entitled to a legal consultation on any matter ? whether it's connected to your job or not.

In such case, I will help prepare you for your testimony and, perhaps, put your worried mind at rest.

Dr. John C. Ziegler, MA, D, MIN.

Thankfully, ASNA has been blessed for the past two years with a nurse educator as our president, Dr. Arlene Morris. Dr. Morris had many years of clinical experience as well. Our new president is a hospital nurse leader. ASNA President, Brian Buchmann is the Manager of the Clinical Nursing Practice Department at Huntsville Hospital. In this capacity at HHS, Brian has responsibility for managing global nurse orientation, continuing education, scope of practice, competencies, policy and procedures, quality improvement, research and trials, the simulation lab, liaison to the ABN, liaison to all affiliated nursing schools and the facilitation of clinical and preceptor programs.

Brian is the first male president of ASNA in its 101year history! WOW! Let that sink in for a moment ... Most of the 86,000 nurses in the state work in clinical settings and Brian is a nurse leader who understands their daily challenges and dedication. For the past two years he has served as President-elect of ASNA. I have seen him at the Alabama Legislature, the Governor's Office and in Washington, DC lobbying for your profession. Whether conversing with a United States Senator, the Governor or an Alabama Legislator, he represented ASNA well. His passion is to advocate for YOUR needs as you strive to deliver quality patient care.

ASNA has a diverse membership with nurses from all specialties and settings of care. Most nurse specialty groups, especially at the state level, are not large enough to rally support for or against legislation. For 101 years, ASNA has served as the hub organization to give nurses of all specializations a unified and powerful voice. Sadly, Alabama has fallen behind states like Mississippi, Tennessee and Georgia in maintaining a unified nursing advocacy front. Although Mississippi has fewer nurses, the MNA has almost twice the membership of Alabama (ASNA)! This is mainly due to their ability to keep members from isolating by JUST joining their specialty group and DROPPING their ASNA membership. Mississippi Nursing Association remains strong because CRNA's, CRNP's and other specialized nurses have maintained duel memberships.

The good news is ASNA is growing again! More and more specialty nurses are realizing the necessity of keeping a strong hub organization while they also participate in their specialty organization. People are seeing that ASNA benefits exceed the cost of dues anyway ... so why not join? Since, most nurses in the state are hospital / clinical nurses they have a hospital nurse leader (man) as the new ASNA President. Brian Buchmann has a vision to enhance the careers of ASNA members, maintain a unified strong voice for nursing and by the way ... he knows how badly your feet hurt after a twelve-hour shift.

Donate by December 31st ? Tax Deductible!

The Alabama Nurses Foundation

How many qualified, dedicated and talented people have turned aside from their goal to become a nurse because of finances? You can help.

The Alabama Nurses Foundation is a tax-exempt foundation set up to support nursing scholarships, workforce development and educational endeavors.

The Foundation accepts general donations, endowments or gifts designated to the memory of a family member or friend. Gifts may also be given in honor of an event such as a birthday, anniversary, or graduation. You may donate online at form/40975101390147. If you wish to send your donation by mail, use the following address:

Make check out to ? The Alabama Nurses Foundation 360 North Hull Street Montgomery, Alabama 36104

Looking for the perfect career?

Look no further than...



Find the perfect nursing job for you!

December 2014, January, February 2015

The Alabama Nurse ? Page 5

Alabama State Health Officer's

Update

Donald E. Williamson, M.D.

Ebola is an infectious disease

that is transmitted through

direct contact with blood or

body fluids. Infection occurs

when the organism has a route

to enter another host through

mucous membranes or a break

in the skin. Symptoms of

Ebola Virus Disease include

fever, malaise, headache,

nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and

bleeding.

Donald Willamson

Although highly contagious,

risk can be minimized while caring for a patient with

Ebola by adhering to standard infection control measures

and utilizing proper Personal Protective Equipment

(PPE). Working in teams is recommended as a strategy to

minimize potential breaks in protocol when using PPE.

The team approach can identify errors in donning and

doffing PPE and reduce the risk of self-contamination.

It is imperative that nurses and other members iof the

healthcare team work together to educate and mentor

each other to ensure that safe procedures are in place and

followed.

The Alabama Department of Public Health encourages

nurses throughout the state to stay informed. The Centers

for Disease Control and Prevention (vhf/

ebola) and the Alabama Department of Public Health

(ebola) are two resources for gaining

knowledge about Ebola. Information found on these sites

is updated routinely. It is important to note that not all

media information is reliable.

With modern modes of travel, the world has become

a smaller place. Caring for individuals with emerging

infectious diseases is occurring more frequently. As nurses

and other health care providers continue to strive for

excellence in care, we will be well prepared for the future.

LPN Corner

L.P.N. Practice Has Taken A Turn...

Greg Howard, LPN

There is an old adage that "nothing stays the same" and "the only thing that's for certain, is change." Such is the plight of the L.P.N. Practice.

As healthcare evolves and the cost of health care increases, the skill mix has changed. Whether for a short period of time, or permanently.

Such is the case with L.P.N. Practice in the hospital setting. Most of the hospitals across the country are seeking Magnet Status or just going to all RN staffing for patient care, with the assistance of unlicensed personnel.

Employers of healthcare workers may soon discover this mix may not be as cost effective as they think.

Although there are other opportunities for L.P.N.'s, it is still relevant to keep up all of the skills we have learned and certifications we have earned.

NLN has gone on record with "A Vision for Recognition of the Role of L.P.N.'s and L.V.N.'s in Advancing the Nation's Health." The National League for Nursing supports the critical role of L.P.N. / L.V.N. in providing quality patient centered care and evidencedbased care to vulnerable groups across the health care continuum. The L.P.N. / L.V.N. work force has not been strategically addressed for the 21st Century transformed health care system. This lack of focus not only affects

the quality and safety of patient outcome, it may lead to an unintended consequence: A significant void in the health care provider continuum, particularly among older adults and other population clusters that need "long term, community-based chronic care."

Google NLN's Vision Series for their vision for L.P.N. / L.V.N's.

Remember "Greatness is not defined by the title you hold, but by the need you fill."

Knowledge that will change your world

Department of Health Care Organization & Policy

Offers Online MPH Degrees Health Care Organization & Policy Maternal & Child Health Policy & Leadership

and Dual Degree MPH/MSW Contact Brenda Campbell with questions 205-934-3939 or email bcampbel@uab.edu

For more information, please visit:

Page 6 ? The Alabama Nurse

December 2014, January, February 2015

Membership News

Introducing Technically Advanced Scrubs and Exclusive Savings for You!

Members of the Alabama Nurse's Association can now purchase a new line of incredibly comfortable, stylish, innovative, and professional scrubs from and receive a 10% discount. PLUS your purchase will initiate a 5% donation to the ASNA Alabama Nurse Foundation for nurse scholarships.

are developed from scientifically designed materials that are super comfortable and highly functional to control both temperature and odor, wick away moisture, and have an antimicrobial agent built into the fabric. are anti-wrinkle, fade and stain resistant, and 100% American-Made!

Visit to select your style, color, size, and optional features. Use Discount Code ALNURSE when completing your purchase.

APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP

Please Circle New Application Renewal

ANA ID#__________________ Today's Date:______________

Over 90% of our members are joint members of ASNA and ANA. Joint membership greatly expands what you receive in benefits and your influence as a nurse advocate. Some members prefer state only membership and that is available as an option as well.

Name: Home Address: City/State/Zip Preferred Phone: Email: Recruited By:

Credentials: Nursing License Number: Employer: Employer Address: (Please circle) Preferred Contact Home Work Email

Montgomery may be in the heart of Alabama, but it's really in the middle of everything. Where you'll find the old and new side by side, with things to do, and places to go. Jackson Hospital is a state-of-the-art 344 bed acute care facility with growth opportunities and a healthy appreciation for everything you do.

? $5,000 sign on bonus for experienced, qualified FT Critical Care and ED RNs

? 6 week contract positions for ED, Med/Surg and Telemetry

? FT 7p Labor & Delivery and Nursery positions for experienced RN's

? $4,000 sign on bonus for experienced, qualified FT Telemetry and Progressive Care RN's

Visit our website for a complete list of open positions and job descriptions.

EOE

Call for more information

1.800.291.9354



Member Type

Circle One

Dual ASNA/ANA Membership Options

Employed Full/Part Time

F/T Post-RN Student/ Unemployed/ New Grad

62 & Retired or Disabled

$299/Yr $25.43/Mo

$149.50/Yr $12.96/Mo $74.75/Yr $6.73/Mo

State Only Options

Alabama State Only

Non RN Member

$175/Yr $15.08/Mo

$95/Yr $50/Biannual

Monthly Bank Draft/Credit/Debit Card Authorization:

Read and sign the authorization below. Enclose a check made payable to ASNA for the first month's dues (see rates listed above). This amount will be deducted from your checking/credit card account each month.

By signing the form below, I am authorizing ASNA/ANA to withdraw annual/monthly dues from the financial institution I have designated. If paying by automatic bank draft, I have enclosed a check for the first month's payment. Bank drafts will occur on or after the 15th day of the month, Credit Cards will be charged on or after the 1st of the month.

Authorized Signature:_______________________________________ Date:______________ CVV Code:_____________

Card Number:_____________________________________________________Exp. Date:_________________________

Payments to ASNA/ANA are not deductible as charitable contributions; however 70% of your dues are tax deductible as a professional organization for Federal Income Tax Purposes.

Please return this completed application with your payment to ASNA, 360 North Hull St., Montgomery, AL 36104 or Fax to 334-262-8578

EOE

December 2014, January, February 2015

The Alabama Nurse ? Page 7

Membership News

Lack of State Nurses Association Membership

is a Practice Issue

Sarah Pierce Wilkinson, MSN, BA, RN ASNA District 1 President

As an emerging leader in the Alabama State Nurses

Association (ASNA) and newly inducted District 1 President,

I have learned of several reasons why nurses do not choose

membership in the one professional association that represents

all nurses and speaks for the entire profession regardless

of practice specialty. Many nurses claim time restraints as

their reason for non-participation, while others believe they

have nothing to gain from membership. Others do nothing

but complain about the current state of affairs in nursing and

in healthcare across the spectrum. One nurse claimed her

retirement in six years as a reason for not rejoining the ASNA.

In Alabama there are 90,000 nurses, but only 1263 are actually

members of the ASNA. Regardless of the practice setting,

nurses who choose not to join the ASNA compromise their

Sarah Pierce

own professional development, patient care, and the future of

Wilkinson

the discipline in a rapidly changing environment.

The key stakeholders in this dilemma are Alabama nurses and their patients. The

ASNA does not represent a single specialization, but rather all nurses regardless of

their level of education or expertise. Membership in the ASNA provides nurses with

opportunities to network with other nurses, participate in evidence-based continuing

education activities, and a voice in decision making at the administrative and legislative

levels. In an edition of the Pennsylvania Nurse, Brancato stated that nursing's influence

on healthcare begins at the district level of state nursing associations and transcends

to the state and national levels where policy is formed. If nurses everywhere want to

improve the outcomes that result from others dictating to the profession, then they must

begin to act as partners in the decision-making processes of policy and practice. For

healthcare to realize reform and quality improvement, Batalden and Davidoff suggested

in Quality and Safe Health Care that all nurses, who collectively represent the greatest

number of care providers, must be tireless in their efforts to bring about change in the

system.

Rather than offer reasons of limited time and money to participate, question what

they have to gain from membership in the ASNA, or challenge the current state of affairs

in the profession, Alabama's nurses must instead (a) allocate a fraction of time to their

professional development and to the advancement of the profession, (b) realize what

they and the association have to gain from supporting one another, and (c) focus their

voices on an area of interest in which they desire support or improvement. Every nurse

can use his or her talents as instruments of change, and all have voices that can influence

change if they are willing to give back to the profession just a fraction of what has been

afforded to them. Our profession should be a priority for all Alabama nurses. Members

of ASNA can and will improve the nursing profession, healthcare systems, and local

communities through active participation in district and state activities. We must take the

knowledge and collaboration generated in the workplace beyond those boundaries and

work as teams in ASNA's local districts if we are to make a positive difference in our

communities and worldwide.

The ASNA promotes the well-being of the individual and the discipline and

influences the policies that affect nursing, thus bringing about quality improvement

in patient care. Membership in the ASNA provides nurses with opportunities for

professional collaboration and development of their careers and the discipline. Without

these opportunities, nurses are in danger of passively remaining in the shadows of

former practice instead of actively engaging in the shaping of their futures as nursing

professionals. If nurses are not involved in the health of our profession, then advances in

healthcare reform will also suffer from the lack of their participation.

References Alabama State Nurses Association (2014). ASNA in action. Retrieved from .

org Batalden, P. B., & Davidoff, F. (2007). What is "quality improvement" and how can it transform

healthcare? Quality Safe Health Care, 16, 2-3. doi: 10.1136/qshc.2006.022046 Brancato, V. C. (2011). Your voice, your association: Benefits of district participation in a

professional association. Pennsylvania Nurse, 66(4), 22-24 Retrieved from http:// eds.b..libproxy.usouthal.edu Esmaeili, M., Dehghan-Nayeri, N., & Negarandeh, R. (2013). Factors impacting membership and non-membership in nursing associations: A qualitative study. Nursing and Health Sciences, 15, 265-272. doi: 10.1111/nhs.12012 Gallop, Inc. (2014). StrengthsFinder 2.0 report. (Report No. 579238453), Retrieved from http:// strengths. Rath, T., & Conchie, B. (2008). Strengths based leadership: Great leaders, teams, and why people follow. New York, NY: Gallup Press. Strech, S., & Wyatt, D. A. (2013). Partnering to lead change: Nurses' role in the redesign of health care. AORN Journal, 98, 260-266. doi: 10.1016/j.aorn.2013.07.006 TalentSmart, Inc. (2014). Emotional intelligence appraisal (ME ed.). Retrieved from

District Officer's Contact

Information:

District One: Sarah Wilkinson, MSN, BA, RN swilkinsonrn@

District Two: Julie Savage Jones, MSN, RN-BC juliesavagejones@

District Three: Wanda Spillers, DNP, RN, CCM wspillers@

District Four: Erica Elkins Little, BSN, RN ericaelkinslittle@

District Five: Tammy Smith, MSN, RN tsmith@

Contact your district officer to find out about activities in your area.

THE ASNA PAC

Your Voice Matters

Definition: AD-VO-CATE, noun. One who passionately supports or recommends particular causes or policies.

Synonyms: Champion, campaigner, supporter

Nurses are the largest group of healthcare professionals, with over 80,000 in Alabama.

YET, elected officials do not see nurses as a strong political force!

IN THIS ELECTION YEAR ? Please consider donating to the ASNA PAC. Funds are carefully given to the campaigns of those who support our advocacy for nursing and quality services for our patients. Make check out to: ASNA PAC

360 North Hull Street Montgomery, AL 36104

Earn a Credential That's in Demand Nationwide

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Page 8 ? The Alabama Nurse

December 2014, January, February 2015

2014 Annual Convention

Resolutions Passed at the ASNA Convention

Improving Adolescent Health through STD, HIV and Unintended Pregnancy Awareness

RESOLVED that ASNA will work through The Focus Program http:// to promote continuing education that is developmentally age-appropriate for participating school nurses on the topics of STD and unintended pregnancy prevention, HIV awareness; and be it further

RESOLVED partner with other stakeholders such as the Alabama Association of School Nurses (AASN) to begin conversing regarding roadmap to bring the National HIV/AIDS Strategy to fruition

RESOLVED that the ASNA will publish an article in The Alabama Nurse and provide developmentally appropriate links to pertinent resources related to topics of STD and unintended pregnancy prevention, and HIV awareness; and be it further

RESOLVED that the ASNA will challenge districts to promote and educate on the topics of STD and unintended pregnancy prevention, and HIV awareness to include abstinence, condom use and emphasis on testing in adolescents and young adults.

Recognition of All Gradate Level Nursing Specialty Roles for Alabama Nurses RESOLVED the Alabama State Nurses Association (ASNA) will support a position

statement to formally recognize nurse educators, nurse executives/ leaders, and nurse researchers as specialty roles with minimum education of a master's degree in nursing (MSN) required. Unity and collaboration of advanced specialty roles in today's complex healthcare systems will be encouraged by the ASNA's support of a position statement; and be it further RESOLVED the ASNA will promote the recognition of and incorporate all specialty roles requiring advanced education in all activities sponsored by the ASNA; and be it further RESOLVED the ASNA will challenge its districts to incorporate the recognition of all specialty roles in district-sponsored continuing education (CE) activities; and be it further RESOLVED that the ASNA will publish an article in The Alabama Nurse and provide links to supplemental information on the ASNA website in support of all specialty nursing roles.

20 ? 30'S TASK FORM: REJUVINATING ASNA RESOLVED: As a member of 20-35 age group that ASNA appoints a task force

comprised of the 20-35 age range. And be it further RESOLVED: The above task force to develop recommendations for the board to

increase membership/retention and participation amongst the 20-35 age range. And be it further RESOLVED: Each ASNA district should create a plan of action to recruit/retain/ and increase ASNA membership amongst the 20-35 age group. And be it further RESOLVED: ASNA will publish an article in The Alabama Nurse discussing the outcomes of the task force.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE RESOLVED that ASNA will recognize October as domestic violence awareness

month; and be it further

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RESOLVED RESOLVED

RESOLVED

that the ASNA will publish an article in The Alabama Nurse related to Domestic Violence Awareness and be it further that ASNA will encourage each district to provide education on domestic violence and refer individuals who are in need of services and be it further that ASNA will identify resources regarding domestic violence and post on ASNA website to help individuals and families become more informed and educated concerning domestic violence awareness.

RESOLVED

RESOLVED RESOLVED RESOLVED

HEALTH LITERACY that the Alabama State Nurses Association hereby proclaims the value of all health care providers being adequately trained to identify and refer individuals who are in need of services to improve their health literacy skills and be it further that the ASNA will publish an article in The Alabama Nurse related to Health Literacy and be it further that the ASNA will encourage each district to provide education on health literacy and identify and refer individuals who are in need of service and be it further that the ASNA will identify resources regarding health literacy and include resources in training, articles and post on ASNA website to help patients and families to improve health literacy to become more informed and educated in their own health care

THE POWER OF ONE: RAISISNG OBESITY RISK AWARENESS IN ALABAMA

RESOLVED that the ASNA, through raising risk awareness of obesity and promoting health and wellness, programs and projects for Alabamians, will disseminate the Power of One initiative supported by the Every Inch Matters campaign; and be it further

RESOLVED that an accompanying statewide "Measure Your Waist" month, to be observed in January, be instated and supported for residents of Alabama; as well as a published article in The Alabama Nurse announcing the statewide initiative; and be it further

RESOLVED that ASNA encourages each district to incorporate the Power of One initiative into their 2015 overall planning, hosting one community event aimed at raising obesity awareness using the "Every Inch Matters" waist wellness measure; and be it further

RESOLVED that each ASNA district survey its constituents at community events about perceptions of obesity. In addition, assess for the occurrence and prevalence of overweight and obese states in Alabama communities (measured by waist circumference and calculated BMI) with dissemination of the findings to state and community partners evidencing the impact of this 2015 statewide initiative.

THE ALABAMA STATE NURSES ASSOCIATION (ASNA) MENTORSHIP PROGRAM

RESOLVED that the Alabama State Nurses Association will support the successful integration of new nurse graduates into the work environment; and be it further

RESOLVED that ASNA will support the growth and development of nurses as they transition in professional practice; and be it further

RESOLVED that ASNA will foster the development of a strong nursing community; and be it further

RESOLVED that ASNA will enhance the leadership skills of nurses as they engage in the mentoring process; and be it further

RESOLVED that ASNA will develop a formal mentorship program for new nurses to support these goals.

RESOLVED RESOLVED RESOLVED RESOLVED RESOLVED

NURSES SAVE LIVES that 2015 be designated the Year of "Nurses Save Lives!" in Alabama; and be it further that nurses and Alabama citizens and residents be encouraged to preorder the "Nurses Save Lives!" car tag; and be it further that all nurses across ASNA Districts be encouraged to pre-order the "Nurses Save Lives!" car tag; and be it further that Alabama Hospitals be asked to encourage staff to pre-order the "Nurses Save Lives!" car tag; and be it further that the progress toward the goal of 1000 pre-orders be tracked on the ASNA website and that districts be made aware of total sales until the goal is reached.

RESOLVED RESOLVED

RESOLVED

RESOLVED RESOLVED

SAFE STAFFING AND STAFFING DECISION MAKING

the ASNA will publish an article in The Alabama Nurse on the Registered Nurse Safe Staffing Bill and be it further the ASNA will encourage each district to provide education to the public and promote awareness related to the implications of unsafe staffing levels and be it further each District will write letters to hospital Administrators and colleges of Nursing in their district on the importance of safe staffing and its effects on patient outcomes and be it further the ASNA will publish the Safe Staffing Bill on the ASNA website along with other links to resources that support safe staffing and be it further the ASNA will reach out and partner with stakeholders and Legislators to begin the conversation on safe staffing legislation for Alabama.

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