District & committee reports.
GAPPThe Government Affairs and Public Policy committee has celebrated the end of another successful legislative session where the three primary legislative objectives for the 2010 session were achieved. One of the most successful objectives was in successfully opposing the proposed 10% cut to APN and PAs under Medicaid. Second, CNA successfully opposed proposed retail clinics legislation in Colorado. Additionally, CNA supported a bill effort to "clean up" language relating to APNs and to identify a process for endorsement for APNs coming in from other states.
During the summer, GAPP has also worked on language for candidate questionnaires and will also be reviewing policies for bill prioritization. The committee will also have an education session in August to prepare for the 2011 session.
CNAHCA
Please refer to the article on nursing presentations planned by CNAHCA for the Health Care for All Colorado Annual Meeting. CNAHCA will also be working on developing guidelines for the committee to assume a more active role in health care reform advocacy beginning in the 2011 legislative session. The committee will also be participating in education sessions in August to prepare for the 2011 legislative session. For information on meetings please contact Chair Brenda Von Star at vonstar@qadas.com.
NPPI
The Nurse Practice Professional Issues committee of the Colorado Nurses Association will start exploring the opportunity in becoming involved with current topics that are being addressed by ANA. Two topics the committee would like to explore is title protection for nurses and lateral violence. NPPI will also continue to be directly involved in promoting nursing professionalism and higher education. NPPI will resume meetings this fall. Please e-mail Colorado Nurses Association at mroberts@nurses-co.org with suggested topics for NPPI to explore that will continue to be an asset in promoting nursing practice and professionalism.
The Journey from Novice to Expert Nurse
Melinda Roberts, RN, BSN Special Projects Coordinator, CNA
The Novice to Expert Steering Committee of the Colorado Nurses Association has developed a mentoring network committee to promote professional growth for novice nurses. Through the support of evidenced based literature, Colorado Nurses Association recognizes the positive impact that mentorship has on building confidence with novice nurses resulting in professional growth and nurse retention.
Colorado Nurses Association has developed a program in which novice and expert nurses are paired together to promote relationships that will guide novice nurses into professional nursing practice. This continuing education in nursing program will guide expert nurses into developing skills to be an effective mentor, assist novice nurses with the job search process by offering education on behavioral interviewing and professional resume building skills, and provided an informative presentation on Generational Enlightenment.
Colorado Nurses Association hopes that novice nurses that have experienced professional development through the guidance of a mentor will someday become a mentor and continue to create a climate of success and retention in nursing. Colorado Nurses Association will be offering more mentoring workshops this fall. If you are interested in participating in future mentorship workshops, please contact Colorado Nurses Association at 303-757-5048 or e-mail Melinda Roberts at mroberts@nurses-co.org.
Colorado Nurse District Reports
Quarterly Report for District 4 Colorado Nurse Association
The Member of District 4 met at the LaRenaissance Restaurant for the annual banquet and meeting on April 24. Honored Guests were Lola Fehr, President of Colorado Nurse Association, her spouse, and four RNs in the Graduate Psychiatric Nursing Program at CSU Pueblo: Lori Hoffman, Mark Jantelow, Diane Smith and Natalie Deaver. Dorothy DeNiro led the group in prayer before the banquet.
A brief meeting was held. Nominations for secretary and delegates to convention were announced. Nancy Whet zel r epor ted the scholarship applications have been sent to the southern Colorado Schools of Nursing. The scholarship will be awarded in November. The meeting was adjourned.
Lola Fehr, President of the Colorado Nurses Association, presented information on current legislation impacting Colorado nurses and information on current CNA goals and activities. She asked members input into what the district would be interested in having the Association accomplish, change or consider. Lola was very inspirational and the members really appreciated her traveling to Pueblo to meet the members. Linda Skoff, President, called the May meeting to order in LaJunta at Otero Jr. College on May 14.
Linda announced Amanda Clerkin was elected secretary. The delegates to convention are: Joe Franta, Ann Galloway, Dorothy DeNiro, Denise Root, and Linda Skoff. Alternates are Elayne Morris, Melva Steen and Rita Sims. Lori Rae cannot be a delegate and she was on the ballot, since she is a Director and on the Board of the Association. Alternates will be asked to go in Lori's spot.
The group discussed the convention, which is to be October 8th and 9th. The 8th will be an educational day and the 9th will be the House of Delegates. Lori Rae reported on CNA activities. Currently, Denver will be the trial site for mentoring new nurses by members of the Colorado Nurse Association.
The group discussed future meetings/programs for next year. The group felt meetings should be held every other month starting in September. Since the October 09 coffee for new nurses was so successful, coffees for new graduates may be offered again.
The meeting was adjourned and the group watched a recorded film on the life of a patient dying with breast cancer and her challenges/ health care experiences. It was well performed and very thought provoking. The Otero Jr. College Students did the performance.
No meeting was held in June for summer break. A meeting is planned in July for the Board to plan the meetings/programs for next year.
DNA 6 (San Luis Valley)
Hopefully by the time this article is read, the winds have died down. DNA 6 even took a break from meeting in March to recuperate from busy schedules and cold temperatures. When members returned, they hit the ground running.
DNA 6 would like to welcome three new members. Welcome Martin Dineen, Jodi Garcia, and Maria (Angela) Medina. It was a delight to see fresh new faces at the last meeting. Of course, it is always a delight to see the regular members as well. Stories depicting member's experiences were proudly displayed during Nurses Week. The stories discussed personal nursing experiences and stated what nursing has meant to them. The poster board displays traveled from San Luis Valley Regional Medical Center to Nursing Pinning at Trinidad State Junior College (TSJC) and now resides at Adams State College (ASC). The hope is that the poster boards will portray nursing in a positive light and encourage other nurses to be proud of their career choices, inspire students, and show graduates what they have to look forward too.
[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]
With our fundraising efforts, DNA 6 was able to support both ASC and TSJC with scholarships for their nursing students this year. A few DNA 6 members attended TSJC's Nursing Pinning in May to congratulate the graduates. Louise Sowards graciously volunteered her time to participate in the newly launched CNA's Nurse Education Special Interest Group. DNA 6 would like to thank Louise for representing the district in such an important endeavor.
DNA 6 is currently in the process of organizing and archiving historical documents. This has been time consuming. However, fun to look through some of the old documents. DNA 6 certainly has some very dedicated long-term members that have contributed to the history of this organization.
DNA 6 is in the process reviewing annual goals and objectives. DNA 6 will also elect a president and secretary this month. DNA 6 has invited Senators Mark Udall, Bob Bennett, Gail Schwartz, Congressman John Salazar, and State Representative Ed Vigil to the July meeting. Members are anticipating an open dialogue about health care within our region and state. Members anticipate this as being a positive voice for nursing.
Finally, DNA 6 commends steadfast and studious members as they continue to pursue higher education in nursing. Currently, there are 8 members seeking higher degrees in nursing. One member is pursuing a BSN, six members are pursuing their MSN, and one member is pursing her DNP. Amanda Jojola recently graduated in May with her DNP and Helen Lester will have her Master's in Nursing Management and Leadership by the time this is published. The picture above shows a few of members celebrating at an "umbrella drinks celebration." DNA 6 looks forward to announcing more graduates in the upcoming CO Nurse publications.
Respectfully submitted, Amanda Jojola DNP, FNP-C DNA 6 President
DNA 7 Report
DNA 7 (Southwest Colorado) will not be meeting this summer. We will restart our activities mid- September. Please call Lynne Murison at 970- 385-5524 if interested in joining DNA 7, or email: MURISONL@AOL.COM to be listed on the e-mail roster. Have a great summer!
DNA 16 Report
The officers and board members of DNA-16 will take some time off this summer to spend with family and friends, visiting, traveling, going to ball games, or just hanging out at home. Meetings will resume again in August when a meet and greet meeting will be held for members who will be attending the CNA House of Delegates convention. DNA 16 will also be planning events, times, and places for the upcoming years meeting. Prior to taking this break, DNA 16 held elections for officers and attended the Nurses Night at the Rockies in May. Despite the cool weather and Rockies losing in the 9th inning, the members had a great time.
Highlights of the Past Year
DNA 16 cosponsored an evening of learning about Drug Diversion given by local DEA agents, attended the CNA House of Delegates Convention, and held the 10th annual Legislative Connection Dinner. This year was another record attendance by nurses and nursing students. The purpose of this dinner, which is held near the beginning of the legislative session, is for nurses and students to dialog with their legislative members about the current health care system, reform, and health care topics that may be near or dear to them.
DNA-16 members continue to be active within their communities as well as within the nursing community as members of committees within CNA and affiliate organizations. I wish I could introduce all of the DNA 16 members. However, time and space do not permit this. So, I shall introduce only a few of the DNA 16 members.
Carol Brautigam, a recent Kaiser retiree, is also a member of the Ambulatory Care Association, CU Alumni, and a former navy nurse. Chris Schmidt, with the Jefferson County Public Health is a public health member and she helps coordinate their spring meeting to occur around the time of the Legislative Dinner so that the public health members are able to attend the Legislative Dinner. She is also a member of Colorado Nurses for Access to Health Care for All. Sara Jarrett is another active member with CNAHCA. Sara Jarrett is also a professor at Regis University. DNA 16 does not see as much of Sara as she is tirelessly working to advance nursing practice and health care policy as well as educating and supporting new nurses on the importance of being involved within their new chosen profession. One of our newest members is Donna Dulong. Donna is the newly elected Vice President/President Elect and is involved in one of the newer nursing fields being Nursing Informatics. Donna is the one to thank for the new and improved newsletter. With her help and knowledge, DNA 16 hopes to become more computer savvy and depend less on "snail mail" to get messages out.
By the time this article is read, Mary Kershner, Mary Lambert and I will have attended the ANA House of Delegates Convention in Washington DC along with five other Colorado delegates.
Respectfully submitted by Mary Lambert, President DNA-16, mlam5073@yahoo.com
DNA 20 Report-West Metro
DNA 20 kicked off its 2010-11 activities with a potluck at its Board Meeting in August. Officers are President: Kathy Butler; Vice President: Kiska May; Treasurer: Linda Stroup; Secretary: Cynthia Farkas; Board Members-at-Large: Susan Moyer, Kathy Cristler, Elly Yost and Norma Tubman; and Nominating Chair: Irene Drabek. Fourteen delegates and ten alternate delegates were elected to represent DNA 20 at the CNA House of Delegates to be held this October in Denver.
Congratulations to DNA 20 member Keara Biller and other Public Health Nurses who work in the Jefferson County Public Health Immunization Program who were recognized at the annual Jefferson County Good News Breakfast Awards on May 27 for their participation in the Reach Out and Read Program. The program promotes literacy and provides free books to children while they are visiting the Immunization Clinic. Keara is the coordinator of this project.
Susan Moyer's abstract, "Taking a Bit Out of Dental Caries," was accepted as an oral presentation at the 25th Annual CityMatCH Conference to be held September 12-14 in Chicago. The presentation will show how the nursing process was used to implement Cavity Free at Three, a project that provides a free dental screening and education and fluoride varnish to children five years of age and under, through Jefferson County Public Health.
Please visit the CNA Website for information on DNA 20 meeting times, locations and speakers, or contact DNA 20 President, Kathy Butler, at 303.973.4444 or e-mail her at kabutler444@msn. com.
Submitted by: Norma Tubman, RN, MScN
DNA 23 Report
District # 23 held elections in May for the coming year. Since Lavena Thompson, Treasurer is ill, her position as been replaced by Cathy O'Grady who will be both Vice President and Treasurer. Best wishes are sent to Lavena Thompson for a quick healing and resolution to her illness. DNA 23 is so appreciative of her constant contributions to the District plus all the other nursing groups she attended without fail. Hopefully, she'll be back with us in the fall. This next year, Cathy and I will be the only two officers for DNA 23.
Congratulations to Cathy O'Grady for her nomination for the Nightingale Award. She is very deserving as she is a great example to all nurses for doing so very much for everyone in her organizations plus her many travels doing volunteer nursing in other countries. Our meetings will resume in Sept, on the evenings of the 2nd Tuesday of the month. Our concerns are continuing regarding attendance, communication, finances and goals for the coming year. It would be helpful if every District member would contact either Cathy or I with suggestions, requests and/ or complaints as the District needs your input. In my opinion, so many good things are happening for nurses but as in everything in the US today, times are "tough", so we must remain united to help each other and do the nurses' job of helping clients. Thank you to all who have been a support to Cathy and me in helping to keep District # 23 viable, (including Deb Trujillo). We hope to see you at Convention!
Sincerely submitted, Frances Dowling, President.
DNA 30 Report
DNA 30/ the Colorado Society of Advanced Practice Nurses (CSAPN) is a District of the Colorado Nurses Association. Members serve on the GAPP, Membership & Marketing and other committees of CNA/ANA. Several members were elected as Delegates to the June 2010 ANA House of Delegates and others serve as members of the CNA Board of Directors. Membership is open to all APN members of CNA.
* Educational/Dinner Meetings are held on the First Wednesday of each month. Information regarding the location and topic for the meeting is posted on the CSAPN website www.csapn.org and a link is also found on the CNA website (nurses-co.org). Students enrolled in an Advanced Practice Nurse program are welcome as guests as are other APN's. Topics vary and are almost always sponsored by a Pharmaceutical Company.
* Scholarships are offered by DNA 30 during the year. A recent (summer 2010) scholarship recipient was Maureen Crawford, a UNCFNP student. Applications are being accepted for the fall scholarship (deadline October 1, 2010) which is open to currently licensed RN's enrolled in a graduate degree advanced practice program. Applications for the Educator scholarship are being accepted (deadline October 1, 2010) as well. Details, including specific criteria, are found on the DNA 30/CSAPN website www.csapn.org.
* Current Officers: see website
* Current Board members: see website
* Business Meetings are open to members/ interested others and are held the fourth Monday of each month. See website for location and time.
Eve Hoygaard, MS, RN, WHNP-BC, Secretary
DNA 31 Quarterly Report
Thirty of our members attended our annual Spring Symposium which was held on April 30, 2010. The South Denver Heart Center in Littleton graciously donated the use of their facility. Attendees enjoyed the opportunity to have group discussions on various clinical topics. The agenda also included a presentation by Cameron Garrett about the new website and presentation of the Clinician of the Year Award to Sher Sauve-Demos. Our district appreciates Vanessa Coats and her committee for arranging this event as well as the other educational events throughout the year.
Our district was pleased that Dort Gregg (a mentor to many of our members) was honored at the University of Colorado Annual Alumni Association Luncheon Meeting and Awards Association on Thursday April 29th. She received the University of Colorado Lifetime Achievement Award during the luncheon. Two of our members, Karen Dannewitz and Judith Benton were able to attend. Karen reflected on Dort's brilliance as well as that of Faye Spring. Psychiatric nursing in Colorado has significant stature in the state and nation because of their vision.
Submitted by Linda Willits President, District 31 www.cscspn.com
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| Publication: | Colorado Nurse |
|---|---|
| Date: | Aug 14, 2010 |
| Words: | 2936 |
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