april, may, june 2013 vermont nurse connection • page 1 … · 2018-03-31 · april, may, june...

April, May, June 2013 Vermont Nurse Connection •

current resident or

Presort StandardUS Postage

PAIDPermit #14

Princeton, MN55371

Volume 16 • Number 2 April, May, June 2013Vermont State Nurses’ Association Official Publication

Nurse Managers Cultivating a Fun Culture

Page 3

New Board Members

Page 11

Inside...

IndexNurse Managers Cultivating a Fun Culture . . . . . . 3

Personal & Financial Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Student News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Continuing Education Opportunities . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Nurses’ Day at the State House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Found on the Web . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

ANA/VSNA News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Membership Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Membership and Publicity Committee . . . . . . . . . . 9

Legislative Update . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

New Board Members for

State Board of Nursing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Vermont Nurse Connection

Quarterly Circulation 17,000 to all Registered Nurses, LPNs, LNAs, and Student Nurses in Vermont

President’s MessageMoving Forward

Carol Hodges, MSN, RN-BC

In the October Issue of the VNC, Christine Ryan (VNSA-Inc.’s Lobbyist) wrote about the American Nurses Association’s (ANA) 2012 House of Delegates (HOD). Vermont’s Delegates were Judy Cohen, Christine Ryan, Ruth Elsa Baldwin and myself as voting delegates, as well as our Executive Director, Lynne Dapice (non-voting). In this issue of the VNC, I would like to discuss those changes and the impact that those changes will have on the VSNA and other state organizations.

In June there were 450 voting delegates from ANA’s Constituent and State Nurses Associations (C/SNAs) and Individual Member Division (IMD), who approved measures which would better align the ANA and its C/SNAs to serve members and the profession more effectively. Those changes would decrease the size of the Board and streamline the policy development processes which should give ANA an edge in responding to and resolving complex issues in a more timely and efficient manner, while providing products and services that are relevant to the profession.

Decisions that were made at the 2012 HOD include:➢ Retire the HOD, Constituent Assembly and the

Congress on Nursing Practice and Economics➢ Replace with a Membership Assembly and

Professional Issues Panels➢ Move from a 15 member board to 9 members➢ Update ANA Governing Bylaws to reflect

ANA’s current program work related to workplace standards and the advancement of nurses’ interests

The Membership Assembly will now consist of two (2) representatives from each state, regardless of the state membership size. The Membership Assembly will meet annually, or as needed opposed to a biennial HOD. The ad hoc Professionals Issues Panels will be comprised of nurse experts and will be created and dissolved as needed to resolve current issues.

At the state level, Lynne Dapice, VSNA Executive Director has been participating in a collaborative pilot project in evaluating the benefits of creating a Multi-State Division (MSD). The idea behind the MSD is one of sharing like values and visions within a geographic location. Currently the MSD has been looking at shared resources, operational expenses, and technological access; which items could be shared and which items need to remain state only structure/function. The concept behind this collaboration is that by sharing knowledge, expertise, and costs, we could more effectively advocate, lead and mentor the profession yet be able to maintain our individual states’ identities and uniquenesses.

On April 17, the VSNA will be having a special dinner meeting in Montpelier. The purpose of this meeting is to vote on bylaw language. These bylaw changes are needed so that we can provide enhanced products and services to our members by streamlining our policies and practice. This event will be held the evening before Legislative Day and there will be blocked room rates for people who want to stay in Montpelier to attend the VSNA Legislative Day Session the following morning. Legislative Day in general is central to the core of nursing practice; as nurses we are all viewed as leaders in our community. There are many health related bills before our legislators and in our mission of keeping the public safe, we all need to be actively involved in policy making. This year’s Legislative Day will focus on issues related to mental health and the impact it has on Vermonters. Your presence at the Special Membership Meeting is important too, as this is when we will decide on how to move forward with providing the services and products that will be relevant to each of you and your practice environment.

Carol Hodges

Nurses Day at the State House“Advocacy and Nurses’ Political Power”

April 18, 2013Capitol Plaza, Montpelier, VT

Save the Date

• Vermont Nurse Connection April, May, June 2013

Published by:Arthur L . Davis

Publishing Agency, Inc .

www .vsna-inc .org

Vermont Nurse ConnectionOfficial publication of the Vermont State Nurses’ Association,

a constituent member of the American Nurses Association. Published quarterly every January, April, July and October. Library subscription price is $20 per year. ISSN# 1529-4609.

Editorial OfficesVermont State Nurses’ Association, 100 Dorset Street, #13,

South Burlington, VT 05403, PH: (802) 651-8886, E-mail: [email protected]

Editor: Jean E. Graham

AdvertisingFor advertising rates and information, please contact Arthur L.

Davis Publishing Agency, Inc., 517 Washington Street, PO Box 216, Cedar Falls, Iowa 50613, (800) 626-4081, [email protected]. VSNA 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 Vermont 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. VSNA 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 VSNA or those of the national or local associations.

ContentVermont State Nurses’ Association welcomes unsolicited

manuscripts and suggestions for articles. Manuscripts can be up to: •750wordsforapressrelease

•1500wordsforafeaturearticleManuscripts should be typed double-spaced and spell-checked

with only one space after a period and can be submitted:1) As paper hard copy

2) As a Word Perfect or MS Word document file saved to a 3 1/2” disk or to CD-Rom or zip disk

3) Or e-mailed as a Word Perfect or MS Word document file to [email protected].

No faxes will be accepted. Authors’ names should be placed after title with credentials and affiliation. Please send a photograph of yourself if you are submitting a feature article.

All articles submitted to and/or published in Vermont Nurse Connection become the sole property of VSNA and may not be reprinted without permission.

All accepted manuscripts may undergo editorial revision to conform to the standards of the newsletter or to improve clarity.

The Vermont Nurse Connection is not a peer review publication. Articles appearing in this publication express the opinions of the authors; they do not necessarily reflect views of the staff, board, or membership of VSNA or those of the national or local association.

Copyright Policy Criteria for ArticlesThe policy of the VSNA Editorial Board is to retain copyright

privileges and control of articles published in the Vermont Nurse Connection unless the articles have been previously published or the author retains copyright.

VSNA Officers and Board of DirectorsPresident . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Carol HodgesPast President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ruth Elsa BaldwinVice President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Monica BenjaminSecretary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mary Anne DouglasTreasurer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jennifer Botelho District 1 Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Irene BoninDistrict 2 Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mollie ChamberlainDistrict 3 Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . VacantVSN Foundation President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Julie Jones

District PresidentsDistrict 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sarah AbramsDistrict 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Catherine GuyDistrict 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vacant

StaffExecutive Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lynne DapiceLobbyist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Christine RyanBookkeeper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Martha Stewart

Committee ChairpersonsBylaws . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . VacantConvention . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lynne DapiceEducation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deborah Hayward-SanguinettiGovernment Affairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Christine RyanMembership. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ann LarameeNominating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vacantNursing Practice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vacantProgram Planning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vacantPsychiatric Special Interest Group . . . . . . . . . . . Maurice McGuireCongressional Coordinator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Christine RyanSenate Coordinator for Saunders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Christine RyanSenate Coordinator for Leahy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Christine RyanANA House of Delegates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ruth Elsa Baldwin, Carol Hodges, Judy Cohen, Monica Benjamin

As of HOD 2012 House of Delegates DissolvedAlternate Delegates . . Christine Ryan, June Benoit, Lynne Dapice

VNC EditorialJean Graham

Voices of Vermont Nurses

premiered at VSNA Convention 2000 and is available from the VSNA Office at:Vermont State Nurses’ Association

100 Dorset Street, #13 South Burlington, Vermont 05403

Price: $20 each book (plus $3.95 for postage and handling)

Make check or money order payable to:VERMONT STATE NURSES FOUNDATION

Name: _________________________________________

Address: _______________________________________

City: ___________________________________________

State: __________________ Zip: ___________________

Deadlines for the Vermont Nurse Connection

Are you interested in contributing an article to an upcoming issue of the Vermont Nurse Connection? If so, here is a list of submission deadlines for the next 2 issues:

Vol . 16 #3—April 22, 2013Vol . 16 #4—July 22, 2013

Articles may be sent to the editors of the Vermont Nurse Connection at:

Vermont State Nurses’ AssociationAttention: VNC100 Dorset Street, Suite 13South Burlington, VT 05403-6241

Articles may also be submitted electronically to [email protected].

The VSNA wants you to take advantage of some of the networking and informational resources available on the Internet.

Current information about activities of the VSNA can be found by visiting the VSNA Website at: http://my.memberclicks.com/vsna or http://www.vsna-inc.org

Requests for additions or changes to the VSNA website should be communicated before the 1st of each month to the site’s webmaster at [email protected].

Also, as a VSNA member you are welcome to join the VSNA listserv . To become a listserv participant, send an e-mail message to the VSNA office at [email protected]. In your message, please indicate that you wish to be part of the listserv and include your name, e-mail address, and your VSNA member number.

Hope to see you on the web!

If you wish to submit a “Letter to the Editor,” please address it to:

Vermont State Nurses’ AssociationAttn: Vermont Nurse Connection100 Dorset Street, #13South Burlington, VT 05403

Please remember to include contact information, as letter authors may need to be contacted by the editors of the VNC for clarification. NOTE: Letters to the Editor reflect the opinions of the letter authors and should not be assumed to reflect the opinions of the Vermont State Nurses’ Association.

Jean Graham, Editor

Beautiful NH camp serving inner-city and low-income boys and girls seeks LPN or RN

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BECOME A NURSE AIDE EVALUATOR

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Minimum qualifications: current Vermont RN license in good standing with one (1) year of verifiable experience caring for the elderly or chronically ill of any age.

To request further information, please email your resume to

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Nurse Managers Cultivating a Fun CulturePriscilla Smith-Trudeau MSM RN BSN CRRN CCM

People rarely succeed unless they have fun in what they are doing. ~ Dale Carnegie

Nurses who are having fun at work may well be exhibiting the single most important trait of highly effective and successful employees. An increasing body of research demonstrates that when managers lighten up and create a fun workplace, there is a significant increase in the level of employee trust, creativity and communication—leading to lower turnover, higher morale and a stronger bottom line. Marti MacGibbon who posted an article on the endoscopy nurse website entitled, The Importance of Having Fun at Work says fun is an attitude, a state of being; it is playfulness, enjoyment or amusement. Fun can inspire you, motivate you, and empower you to change your attitude, reactions and perception of yourself. Fun and a sense of humor will propel you toward your goal more quickly and give you inspiration, motivation and a sense of well-being along the way. If you’re having fun, you’re increasing your levels of “feel good” neurotransmitters in your brain—dopamine, serotonin, etc. When this happens, you empower yourself to feel better in general; you’ll find it’s much easier to be creative, energetic and empathic when you feel good.1

The supreme accomplishment is to blur the line between work and play. ~ Arnold Toynbee

There are many reasons nurses may not be having fun at work that stem from personal, interpersonal, intrapersonal and organizational influences. For example, they may cling to the belief that the work is very serious and fun has no place in a healing environment. They may think and perceive the people they work with as being overly serious and any attempts at having fun may be misunderstood. There is too much work to do and no time for fun. The healthcare consumer may misinterpret nurses having fun as a lack of caring and a disregard for the gravity of their situation. Fun is frivolous. Work shouldn’t be fun. That is why they call it work. One explanation for these beliefs and influences is the emphasis that organizations place on the multiple nursing responsibilities leaving little time to celebrate success regularly whether it be for small or significant accomplishments. A good laugh after a particularly hard day can relieve tensions, make re-focusing easier and offer new perspectives.

A fun work environment allows you to express yourself freely in an appropriate way that generates a feeling of comfort and association among fellow employees. ~ Fabian DeRozario

So how does a nurse manager createa healthy, happy and robust workplace?

As a nurse manager of a team or an organization, you play a big role in establishing the culture. If you are having fun, chances are good that fun at work will become a culture. Fun, laughter, and joy are an important part of creating a healthy workplace. Taking the time to have fun and relax allows ideas to incubate and creativity to flow.2 Celebrations and activities are a common way for staff to bond outside of their comfortable roles and given duties, but controlling fun from the top down doesn’t always work. I am not talking about making work a place to play or having fun for the sake of fun. The idea here is to allow nurses to feel comfortable and to make the workplace more enjoyable. When attempting to create a culture of fun, it is necessary for nurse managers to think out of the box. Once outside the box, all sorts of possible solutions emerge. The following suggestions are for nurse managers who want to recharge the work environment with positive interaction and good humor. They are also for nurse managers who don’t know how to go about relaxing and encouraging employees to have fun and enjoy their work:

• Lead by example, show how to have fun and stillwork hard.

• Followyourintuitionandbespontaneous.• Sharegoodnewsandfunnymomentsoften.3

• Find ways to enjoy what you’re doing, share thegood feelings with your employees and encourage them to share their enjoyment.

• Share your experienceof thinkingoutside the boxby setting up creativity sessions to help employees join you in learning how to think outside the box.

• Innovate! It can be fun to find better, lessexpensive, faster ways to have fun.

• Open staffmeetingswith questions: “Whatwouldmake this job a fun environment for you?” “What would you change to make work more fun?”

Six Reasons that fun can improve work quality and

mental health:

1. Fun breaks up boredom and fatigue

2. Fun fulfills human social needs

3. Fun increases creativity and willingness to help

4. Fun fulfills the need for mastery and control

5. Fun improves communication

6. Fun breaks up conflict and tension

www.workplaceissues.com

• Say thank-you often, offer compliments, tell youremployees how much you appreciate them.

• Takeadvantageofeveryopportunitytohavefun.

One of a nurse manager’s key roles is to bring out the best in their team. Since attitude is so critical to performance, it is essential for nurse managers to understand what keeps people from choosing and maintaining an attitude that would best serve them and the

organization. More and more evidence points to having fun at work as a key factor in this issue. Nurse managers must relearn the value of a smile and a laugh to motivate and inspire their people to find real enjoyment in their work. Creating a fun culture has a number of benefits, including helping a manager present a more-positive image to others, developing and maintaining relationships, reducing stress and actually feeling happier. So why not foster some fun in your work environment to build morale and lift up your team? They will be glad to see you coming.

Encouraging the heart doesn’t have to come after you’ve done everything else a leader does. It’s not the end of the process; it’s a continuous part of the leadership journey. You can celebrate at anytime, anywhere. So do it! Give courage, spread joy, and care about people, product and process all along the way. ~ Kouzes & Posner4

Priscilla Smith-Trudeau MSM RN BSN CRRN CCM is a healthcare management consultant specializing in workforce development. She can be reached at [email protected]

__________________________1 MacGibbon, M., July, 2012; http://www.endonurse.com/

articles/2012/07/the-importance-of-having-fun-at-work.aspx

2 Lasley, Martha. (2004), Courageous Visions, Discover Press, Burlington, PA

3 Bruce, A., Pepitone, J., (1999), Motivating Employees, McGraw-Hill, New York, NY

4 Kouzes, J., Posner, J., (2002), The Leadership Challenge, Jossey-Bass, San Francisco, CA

Priscilla Smith-Trudeau

Play a role in Health Reform!Join a diverse team of health care professionals at the Vermont Chronic Care Initiative!

The Vermont Chronic Care Initiative (VCCI), as part of the Department of Vermont Health Access, has exciting opportunities for experienced nurse case managers throughout the state.

VCCI works with Vermont Medicaid beneficiaries with chronic conditions better manage their own health through community-based case management. We are seeking motivated nursing professionals with experience in:

• Workingwithdiverseand/orvulnerablepopulations• Holisticpatientneedsassessment• ServiceProvidercoordination• Healthcoachingtoempowerselfmanagement• Generatingclinicalimprovementresults• Behavioralchangeprincipals• Collaboratingwithmedicalandmentalhealthprovidersandcommunitypartnersand

agencies.

Work will be performed both in the office and in the field, for which a private means of transportation must be available. Requirements include an unrestricted Vermont RN license with a minimum of 3 years experience in a hospital, public health/community or insurance setting.

To learn more about the Vermont Chronic Care Initiative, please visit: http://dvha.vermont.gov/for-consumers/vermont-chronic-care-initiative-vcci

If you are interested in pursuing an opportunity with VCCI please forward your resume to [email protected].

The State of Vermont is an Equal Opporutnity Employer and offers an excellent total compensation package.

Department of Vermont Health AccessAgency of Human Services


Personal & Financial HealthHealthy Nurse Resource from ANA

A Healthy Nurse is a nurse who takes care of his or her personal health, safety, and wellness and lives life to their fullest capacity – physically, mentally, spiritually, and professionally. A Healthy Nurse is a better role model, educator, and advocate – personally, for the family, for the community, for the work environment, and for the patient. Nurses are 3.1 million strong and the most trusted profession, and have the power to make a difference! By choosing nutritious foods and an active lifestyle, managing stress, living tobacco-free, getting preventive immunizations and screenings, and choosing protective measures such as wearing sunscreen and bicycle helmets, nurses can set an example on how to BE healthy.

Three hundred eighty nurses took the short Health Risk Assessment (HRA) in the ANA Programs Booth at the Biennial House of Delegates and Healthy Nurse Conference, June 2012. Each participant earned a pair of ANA athletic socks (which ANA’s CEO, Marla Weston, wore so well in her Healthy Nurse Conference closing address).

Thanks to Pfizer for providing ANA with the HRA instrument that allowed us to collect and report these results.

• Aboutseventypercentofthegroupwereage50andabove.

• First the good news... Only 3% use tobacco,although the rate for the under 30 age group was 17%.This low tobacco use by nurses is consistentwith the Harvard Nurse study.

• And nearly all drink less than the suggestedmaximum of 2 units of alcohol a week, so we, nurses, aren’t drinking away stress.

• But like the general population, we struggle withnutrition, fitness, and weight.

• Seventy percent of us are in the overweight andobesecategory,with40%beingobese.Thehighestgroup was age 30-39.

• Only thirty-five percent exercise 4 to 5 times aweek. And only forty percent eat the suggested 4 or more servings of fruits and vegetables a day. Both activity level and fruit and vegetable consumption increased with age.

• Seventy-eight percent drink one or less sugarybeverage a day, with the highest level in the 30-39 year age group (consistent with the overweight/obesity group).

During the Healthy Nurse Conference, participants were asked to write down their commitment to adapt one new health behavior. While many identified mental and spiritual goals, more than 85% have committed toincreasing physical activity, increasing nutritional intake, or decreasing weight.

Nurses are committing to improving ourselves, personally and professionally. This will empower us to become better role models, advocates, and educators, for ourselves, our family, our communities, our work environments, and for our patients. Just think, if each of the 3.1 million registered nurses positively affects one person within each of these groups, the world would be such a healthier place. And we know we each touch more than one person!

ANA has demonstrated its commitment to “Healthy Nurse” and safe and healthy work environments through its transition from the Center for Occupational and Environmental Health (COEH) to ANA’s Center for Health, Safety, and Wellness. Visit http://www.nursingworld.org/MainMenuCategories/WorkplaceSafety/Healthy-Nurse to see more great resources, education, and services being developed by ANA!

What?? Not Free?? 401(k) Fees!An AARP study, 401(k) Participants’ Awareness and

Understanding of Fees, shows that 401(k) plan participants need to pay attention to fees. The survey reveals that most respondents tried to figure out how much they needed to save for a comfortable retirement and that they had reviewed the performance of their 401(k) investments. Yet, many did not understand that their 401(k) accounts are generallynotfree.Thestudyfoundthatover70%believedthey paid no fees at all.

In addition, many participants were not aware of the impact that fees and expenses can have on retirement accumulations. Fees and expenses can significantly reduce 401(k) balances, yet only 18% felt very knowledgeableabout this impact.

The fact that 401(k) savers today tend to be uninformed about their plan fees is not a surprise. The same lack of knowledge is true even among many employers sponsoring plans. The world of plan fees and charges is complex. Many plans are administered through complicated arrangements where the details of the compensation arrangements are not disclosed. Many providers deduct fees and expenses from plan assets in ways that are invisible to savers. In addition, it is often not clear to

savers which services they pay for and which ones their employer picks up.

More targeted help for 401(k) savers (and plan sponsors), however, has been rolling out over the past year. In 2012, new rules enacted by the Department of Labor help provide more information about fees and expenses charged to plans. This will help plan officials evaluate the reasonableness of charges. In addition, the Department of Labor has issued a rule requiring that 401(k) savers receive more information about the fees they pay for investments, administrative services and transactions. For most plans, this means that savers will also now receive regular reports on:

• planadministrativefeesandexpenses,forexample,for legal, accounting and recordkeeping services charged to their accounts;

• fees charged for individual transactions such asloans and divorce orders;

• investment-related information on performance;and

• data on the annual operating expenses ofinvestments and any fees or restrictions on investment purchases or sales.

In addition, quarterly statements now include the dollar-amount of plan fees and expenses actually deducted from

their accounts, along with an explanation of the reason for such charges.

So 401(k) savers should brace themselves as they receive this valuable information revealing the previously obscure world of 401(k) plan fees and expenses. This is all good news, but it will require savers to master complicated new concepts and absorb more detailed data on their investments. The learning curve on all this new information may be steep, but employers and service providers can be expected to help out plan participants. In the end, the result should be that 401(k) savers will gain new tools and knowledge to help them insure that their savings grow appropriately to meet their needs for income in retirement.

The Department of Labor has created a website to help 401(k) savers understand their retirement plan fees: http://www.dol.gov/ebsa/publications/understandingretirementfees.html. AARP has also created the 401(k) Fee calculator and an information video to help raise awareness of the effect of fees on savings. The AARP fee calculator is available at http://401kfee.com.

This article is provided by WISER, the Women’s Institute for a Secure Retirement. Visit WISER at wiserwomen.org

Vermont NurseIssue: JanDue: 11/30Size: 2(3.25) x 4.5Cost: $353.76

The UNIVERSITY of VERMONTCollege of Nursing & Health Sciences

Seeking a dynamic and committedtenure track faculty:

Adult Nurse Practitioner

This 9 month position begins inAugust 2013, with an appointment atthe rank of assistant or associateprofessor, depending on qualifications.An ideal candidate will have a PhD innursing or a related field; doctoral

candidates and DNPs with substantial research success will beconsidered. Clinical excellence, eligibility for Vermont licensure, and ademonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusion are essential.Primary responsibilities of the positions include research andscholarship, grantsmanship, teaching in area of expertise, studentadvising, and service to the University.The University is especially interested in candidates who can contributeto the diversity and excellence of the academic community throughresearch, teaching, and/or service. Applicants are requested to include intheir cover letter information about how they will further this goal.

For more information contact: Mary Val Palumbo, DNP, APRNSearch Committee Chair (802) 656-0023

[email protected].

The University of Vermont is an Equal Opportunity/AffirmativeAction Employer. Applications from women, veterans and people

from diverse racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds are encouraged.

Consider living, working, and playing in beautiful progressiveVermont, a leader in health care reform.

Prospective candidates should review full job descriptionand apply online: http://www.uvmjobs.com – posting

#0040677. Review of applications begins 1/2/13.

Great caregivers deserve a great place to work.

Come join our dedicated team of caring professionals!

Director of NursingRowan Court offers great benefits and

a rewarding work environment. For more info call Donna Rouleau,

Business Office Manager at 802-476-4166 or email her at [email protected]

Revera Living and Rowan Court are EOE: M/F/D/V

Visit www.reverastjohnsbury.com

If you are seeking

employment,

please feel free to

contact us.

Looking for a career in health care where you can:

• Managecomplexcareneeds• Buildcaringrelationships• Collaborateaspartofanintegratedcare

team• Shareyourleadershipskillsinameaningful

way

We are recruiting for:

Home Care Registered NurseNurse-Family Partnership


Student NewsThe Vermont State Nurses’ Foundation

AnnouncesThe Arthur L . Davis Publishing Agency, Inc .

2013 ScholarshipApplications for the $1,000 scholarship are open to Vermont State Nurses’ Association members who are currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate nursing program and who are active in a professional nursing organization. Submit application by August 1, 2013. Please complete the application below and submit it to:

Vermont State Nurses’ Foundation, Inc.100 Dorset Street, Suite #13South Burlington, VT 05403

Name: _______________________________________________________

Address: _____________________________________________________

City: __________________________ State _______ Zip ______________

Phone: ______________________ E-mail: __________________________

Nursing Program and Degree Currently Enrolled in:

____________________________________________________________

Briefly describe your activities in the Vermont State Nurses’ Association or other nursing organization within the past three years:

___________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________

Vermont State Nurses’ Foundation, Inc.

100 Dorset Street, Suite #13

S. Burlington, VT 05403

(802) 651-8886

Application for the2013 Pat and Frank Allen Scholarship

The Pat and Frank Allen Scholarship is a $1500.00 award given to a registered nurse who is a matriculated student in an accredited nursing program. Applications must be submitted by 9/28/2013.

Name: _____________________________________________________________

Address: ___________________________________________________________

Phone: (day) __________________________ (evening) ____________________

Email: _____________________________________________________________

Vermont license number: ______________________________________________

Name and address of the program in which you are currently enrolled: __________

__________________________________________________________________

Degree that you are seeking: ___________________________

Credits completed: ___________________________________

Current Grade Point Average: __________________________

Please write a one page cover letter with application that describes your career goals and how this scholarship will help you realize your goals.

Marilyn Rinker Leadership Scholarship Application

Application – 2013 deadline: March 25, 2013

Name: ______________________________________________________________

Address: _____________________________________________________________

Telephone #: ____________________ Email Address: ______________________

Vt RN Lic # _____________________ VONL member since _________________

School of Nursing: _____________________________________________________

Currently in which year? 1 2 3 4 year of graduation (if applicable) __________

Graduate school _______________________ 1st yr _________ 2nd year _________

expected date of graduation ______________

If employed in nursing, current employer ___________________________________

Currently receiving Financial Aid, Grants, Scholarships? Yes _______ No _______

If yes please list the sources ______________________________________________

Please attach to this form:1. Résumé2. Most recent transcript of grades demonstrating a cumulative average of 3.0 (B)3. A brief essay (500 words or less) describing nursing leadership experience and

aspirations, community service experience, commitment to serve in Vermont, and financial need

4. At least two (2) letters of recommendation (at least one academic and one work related)

5. Evidence of acceptance in an accredited program leading to an advanced degree in nursing if not yet matriculated.

I understand that if I receive an Advanced Degree Nurse Leaders Scholarship, I commit to practice nursing in Vermont for a minimum period of two years following graduation .

Student signature: ______________________________ Date: _________________

Return application (with attached materials) before March 25, 2013 to:

Martha Buck, VAHHS/VONL 148 Main Street, Montpelier, VT 05602 (802)223-3461/ext. 111 [email protected]

Vermont Organization of Nurse LeadersMarilyn Rinker Leadership Scholarship for Nurses in an

Advanced Degree Program Announcement

ObjectiveTo promote graduate level nursing education in Vermont in support of nursing leadership talent to meet the health care needs of our state.

Purpose• To provide scholarship support in the amount of $2500 per year for a qualified

individual to participate in an approved course of study leading to an advanced degree.

Qualifications of applicants• PossessionofVermontRNlicenseingoodstanding• AmemberofVONL• Demonstrated commitment to nursing leadership (Vermont preferred) as evidencedby

participation in professional seminars, organizations, work accomplishments, project, recommendations of peers

• Currentlyenrolledoraccepted inanaccreditedprogramthatwill lead toanadvanceddegree in nursing

• Willingnesstocommittocompletingtheprogramasindicatedbyrealistictimeframe• IndividualsagreetopracticeinVermontforatleasttwo(2)years• GPAof3orB• Twosupportiveprofessionalrecommendations

Special Considerations• Individuals who have sought funding through employment or other resources, where

available• Individualswithdemonstratedfinancialneed• Individualscurrentlyworkinginthefieldofnursingeducation

Application Process1. Applicants must first be accepted into an accredited program that will lead to an

advanced degree in nursing2. Eligibility criteria include: proof of academic excellence/promise, pledge to

practice in Vermont following graduation, short essay, two (2) positive professional recommendations

3. Vermont Organization of Nurse Leaders will select a candidate based on the following criteria, in order of importance: academic excellence; commitment to Vermont; leadership/community service; financial need

The Award will be announced at the Nursing Summit, Stoweflake Inn and Spa on April 19, 2013. Winner will be notified in advance.For more information, visit our website: www.vonl.org


Continuing Education OpportunitiesJudy Cohen Scholarship:It is Official!

On January 30th there was an event held to celebrate Judy Cohen’s birthday. Since it was a special birthday, her friends wanted to give her something out of the ordinary. So following dinner there was a proclamation read that summarized her fabulous nursing career and acknowledged her enduring friendships with colleagues, family and friends. The proclamation: pointed out her wonderful contributions as a nurse educator, mentoring students both in nursing and in education, her service to the profession as president of VSNA, faculty advisor to the nursing honor society chapter, Kappa Tau, treasurer of the Vermont State Nurses’ Foundation, her naval career, and her contributions to nursing knowledge as a researcher and author. Her friends decided that it was most appropriate to establish the Judy Cohen Scholarship.

The Vermont State Nurses’ Foundation will manage the scholarship. There will be a period of fund raising that will build from the amount already donated by her friends and family. So if you would like to honor her or help build the scholarship, please make a contribution to the Judy Cohen Scholarship. Checks made out to the Foundation should be sent to 100 Dorset Street, South Burlington, VT 05403.

Her friends want Judy to decide some particulars about the award. She decided that the scholarship will be awarded to a Vermont student seeking a baccalaureate or higher degree in nursing.

Upcoming Educational Opportunities (Non-VSNA)

Vermont Cardiac Network Spring ConferenceDate: 05/09/2013

Location: Stoweflake Mountain ResortStowe, VT

For More Information: www.VermontCardiacNetwork.org

UVM College of MedicineThe following educational events are sponsored by the University of Vermont. For more information contact:

Continuing Medical Education128 Lakeside Avenue, Suite 100Burlington, VT 05401(802) 656-2292http://cme.uvm.edu

Vermont Geriatrics ConferenceDate: 04/09/2013

Location: Capitol PlazaMontpelier, VT

Blueprint for Health ConferenceDate: 04/17/2013

Location: Sheraton Conference CenterBurlington, VT

Women’s Health ConferenceDate: 05/08/2013 - 05/10/2013

Location: DoubleTree HotelSouth Burlington, VT

Child Psychiatry in Primary CareDate: 05/31/2013

Location: Hampton InnColchester, VT

Family Medicine Review CourseDate: 06/11/2013 - 06/14/2013


Vermont Summer Pediatrics SeminarDate: 06/13/2013 - 06/16/2013

Location: The EquinoxManchester, VT

Quality ConferenceDate: 09/06/2013


Primary Care Sports Medicine ConferenceDate: 09/25/2013 - 09/27/2013


Breast Cancer ConferenceDate: 10/04/2013


11th Annual Northern New England Critical CareConference

Date: 10/17/2013 - 10/19/2013Location: The EssexEssex Junction, VT

Bridging the Divide ConferenceDate: November 2013

Location: Specific Location TBDBurlington, VT

Research Round-UpThe VNC welcomes the submission of nursing

abstracts of publications, reports, theses or other scholarly work. The VNC is distributed to 16,500 readers, and it is a wonderful way to share your work and to keep us informed of the wealth of work that nurses are producing throughout Vermont.

The VNC Editorial Board encourages all nurses involved in practice, education, research, administration or other fields to submit their typed abstracts of 200-250 words with a cover letter with the following information:

• NameandCredentialsofAuthor:

• Telephone#:

• Emailaddress:

• PlaceofEmployment:

• Position:

• Educationalinstitution(ifstudent):*

• CurrentYearofStudy:

• Facultycontactperson:

Name:

Telephone #:

Email address:

• Date:

*StudentAbstractsmustbesubmittedbytheirschoolofnursing.

Abstracts may be e-mailed to [email protected], or a hardcopy can be sent to the VSNA, Inc, VNC Abstract, 100 Dorset Street, # 13, South Burlington, VT 05403.

General News

We are currently hiringfor various positions:

• Registered Nurses• LPNs

Employment at the White River Junction VA affords future members very competitive salaries and a comprehensive federal benefits package, with the key benefits of health care and life insurance coverage which continues into one’s retirement.

For more information and how to apply for any of the positions above, please go to www.usajobs.gov.

If you have any questions, please call Len Bonosevich

at (802) 295-9363 Ext. 5387.

The Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center,

White River Jct., VT is an Equal Opportunity Employer

White RiveR Junction,veRmont

“Caring for Our Nation’s Veterans”

June, July and August, 2013

802-860-2005

nursingALD.comAccess to over 5 years of nursing publications at your fingertips. Contact us to advertise in this publication or online!

Simplify your nursing research....

Nursing Newsletters OnlineRead Your State Newsletter Online!

Join VSNA Today!Application on page 9

or join online atwww.vsna-inc.org


General NewsFound on the Web

Have you discovered an interesting/valuable resource on the web? Consider sharing it with your nursing peers across the state via this new column in Vermont Nurse Connection (VNC). To suggest a resource for inclusion in this column, send an email with the website address information to [email protected] with the subject line “for VNC Found on the Web.”

Resources for Patients/Familieshttp://www.mealtrain.com/Have You Ever Wanted to Organize Meals for a

Friend after a Birth, Surgery or Illness?MealTrain.com is a free solution that simplifies the

organization of giving and receiving meals. By allowing the giving party to take into account the recipient’s preferred meal times, food preferences, and available days, the site helps ensure that the recipient gets the meals they enjoy on the days that are most helpful.

Meal Train LLC is a Burlington, Vermont based company specializing in the development of online community service solutions to strengthen friendships and communities.

http://www.caringbridge.org/CaringBridge is an online space where patients can

connect, share news, and receive support through their very own health social network. And thanks to those who donate, CaringBridge is available 24/7 to anyone, anywhere, at no cost.

CaringBridge offers:• CaringBridge Sites—Personal, protected sites

make it easy to stay connected during any type of health event. Family and friends can visit the site to stay informed and leave supportive messages.

• SupportPlanner—A calendar that helps familyand friends coordinate care and organize helpful tasks, like bringing a meal, offering rides, taking care of pets and other needs.

Mobile Apps—Handy apps for nurses withi-phones, i-pads or other mobile devices

1. Pill Identifier by Drugs .com: Your patient can’t remember what prescriptions they take and brings you a bag full of random pills. Unfortunately, you have no idea which medications they are! Pill Identifier lets you look up pills by their common features to find out.

2. Skyscape Medical Resources: This app is a great bundle of useful tools for nurses rolled into one. The free version includes comprehensive info on prescription drugs, a medical calculator by specialty, evidence-based clinical information on hundreds of diseases and symptom-related topics and timely content that nurses need to know on-the-go such as journal summaries, breaking clinical news and drug alerts.

3. Critical Care ACLS Guide: In addition to laying out the ACLS algorithms, this app has such helpful information as the rule of 9s for burns, chest X-ray interpretation and 12-lead EKG interpretation. This will come in handy for any nurse who is working in the ICU or other critical care area.

4. Fast Facts for Critical Care: In keeping with the critical care theme, this app offers even more in-depth knowledge you need when working in a critical unit. Based on the books by Kathy White, this app includes information on managing sepsis, heart failure and 16 classes of critical care drugs.

5. Pocket Lab Values: Sure, you have the lab values that come along with lab reports nowadays, but sometimes you aren’t at your computer to know the specific values of certain labs. This app helps with that by keeping you up-to-date on numbers, such as ABGs, lumbar puncture and immunology values.

SAVE THE DATENurses Day at the State House

April 18, 2013

NURSES’ DAY AT THE STATE HOUSE

“ADVOCACY AND NURSES’ POLITICAL POWER”

April 18, 2013Presented by the

VERMONT STATE NURSES’ ASSOCIATION, INC .

Capitol Plaza, Montpelier, VT(Will move to State House after keynote speaker)

Schedule

8:00 – 8:30 a.m. Registration, Coffee/Breakfast

8:30 – 10:30 Guest Speakers

10:30 – 11:00 Review current bills Christine Ryan, RN, MS

11:30-12:30 Tours of State House Available Attend committee meetings

12:30 p.m. Lunch on your own Meet with your legislators

1:00 House of Representatives Resolution Nurses’ Day at the State

House

1:00 – 2:30 Committee Hearings (if scheduled)

2:30 Meet on Capitol steps for photo

Program Goal

To educate nurses on current health care issuesand how to effectively advocate in the political arena.

This is a hands-on approach.

Guest Speakers:

Sharonlee Trefry, MSN, RN, NCSNState School Nurse Consultant atVermont Department of Health

Vermont Director to NASN

“School nursing is key to unlocking the secret to health-promotion modeling for today’s school children & tomorrow’s reduction in individual health care costs”(Sharonlee Trefry 2005)

Hinda MillerFounder of Sultana Group

Hinda just completed 10 years of service in the Vermont State Senate where she championed the creative/local/sustainable economy, complementary healthcare, & social change. She currently sits on the board of a Sustainable Fortune 500 company. Ms. Miller co-founded Jogbra, Inc., in 1977, the original maker of the”jogbra” women’s sports garment….She served as President of Jogbra, Inc. & Champion Jogbra. Born in Montreal, Canada, she lives in Burlington, Vt. With her husband & grown children.

Christine Ryan, RN, MSChristine is currently Chair of the VSNA Committee

on Government Affairs and the VSNA Lobbyist. In her master’s work she examined the distribution of health services for Vermonters and the role of legislation in the provision of such services.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CALL:Vermont State Nurses’ Association, Inc .

802-651-8886 or 1-800-540-9390E-mail: [email protected]

http://my.memberclicks.com/vsna

General Information

Contact Your Legislator: We strongly encourage you to call your legislators to let them know that you will be there and will visit their committee, and perhaps join them for lunch.

Directions and Suggested Parking1-89 to Exit 8, Montpelier. Memorial Drive at 2nd stoplight turn left onto Bailey St. Ext. Turn right onto State St., Capitol Plaza will be on right, parking in rear. You will receive parking validation.

Visit the Web site: http://www.leg.vt.usState Home Page for information on Legislators and bills. You may also want to arrange to meet your legislators for lunch.

Vermont State Nurses’ Association, Inc.Promoting Excellence in Nursing

Follow Health Care In Action!

http://my .memberclicks .com/vsna

Political ActionFollow the Links

www .NursingWorld .orgNursing Issues

Government Affairs

Join ANA/VSNA!Help ensure nurses have a voice in health care policy decisions . Membership application available at the VSNA website: http://my .memberclicks .com/vsna

Voice Collaboration

Support Advocacy

Network Responsibility

Advancement Education


ANA/VSNA NewsIn Recognition of Caring Honor a Nurse

Through a gift to the Vermont State Nurses’Foundation Scholarships for Nurses

Nursing continues to be the most trusted profession asindicated in annual surveys. This attests to the collectivecontributions nurses make as they care for patients, families and communities. Efforts of individual nurses however need special recognition by colleagues, employers, patients, families and friends.

Is this an anniversary year for a colleague you admire?

Is this the way that you can thank a mentor?

Is this an opportunity for a patient or family to acknowledge excellent care given by a nurse?

There are many milestones such as a birthday or retirement to celebrate. These are the times to:

Honor A NurseCelebration

The honored nurses and the persons nominating them will be recognized at the Vermont State Nurses’ Association Convention in the Fall of 2013. The honored nurses each will receive a certificate identifying the reason for the honor. The honored nurses’ name will also appear in the Vermont Nurse Connection and on the VSNF website.

The minimum suggested donation to the fund is $25.00 for an individual and $100.00 for a group (up to six) nurses.

Complete the information requested and mail your contribution to :

Vermont State Nurses’ Foundation100 Dorset Street, Suite 13, S. Burlington, VT 05403

VSNF is a 501(c)3 organization.

All contributions are tax deductible to thefull extent allowed by law.

I am honoring:

Name: ________________________________________

Address: ______________________________________

Please indicate on a separate piece of paper thereason (s) you are recognizing this nurse

Nominator’s name : ______________________________

Address: ______________________________________

Submit nominations by 9/6/2013

As the health care environment becomes increasingly complex so does the

importance of continuing academic study for nurses. Vermont’s nurses recognize the need for advanced study as they progress

in their careers. Two nurses who are continuing their nursing education with support from the VSNF scholarship fund

in 2010 are:

CongratulationsPam Kupiec

andMegan Hess

You’re a nurse because you care. You want to make a difference. Malpractice claims could possibly ruin your career and your financial future. You always think of others. Now it’s time to think about yourself. Set up your own malpractice safety net.

• You need malpractice insurance because . . . - you have recently started, or may soon start a new job. - you are giving care outside of your primary work setting. - it provides access to attorney representation with your best interests in mind. - claims will not be settled without your permission. • ANA recommends personal malpractice coverage for every practicing nurse. • As an ANA member, you may qualify for one of four ways to save 10% on your premium. This is your calling. Every day you help others because you care. You’re making a difference. Personal malpractice insurance helps protect your financial future so you can go on making a difference.

800.503.9230 for more information

www.proliability.com/60112

Administered by Marsh U.S. Consumer, a service of Seabury & Smith, Inc. Underwritten by Liberty Insurance Underwriters Inc., a member company of Liberty Mutual Insurance, 55 Water Street, New York, New York 10041. May not be available in all states. Pending underwriter approval.

CA Ins. Lic. # 0633005 • AR Ins. Lic. # 245544 d/b/a in CA Seabury & Smith Insurance Program Management

PATIENT CARE IS YOUR PRIORITY.PROTECTING YOUR FUTURE IS OURS.

60112, 60490, 60507, 60510, 60516, 60528, 60534, 60546, 61234, 61236,

62179 (3/13) ©Seabury & Smith, Inc. 2013

Toll Free: 855-891-7356

1st Annual Excellence in Nursing SymposiumMay 17-19, 2013 • Cleveland, Ohio

Schedule includes:• Breakout Sessions by Discipline• Private Cocktail Event at Rock & Roll Hall of Fame with Exclusive Concert• Lake Erie Cruise on the Goodtime III – Cleveland’s Largest Excursion Ship• Shuttles to Horseshoe Casino• Tour at the Greater Cleveland Aquarium• Expert Speakers • Raffle Prizes

Call us today or visit our Events Page at:

www.higginshealthcare.com

Giving all practicing APNs, RNs, LPNs and Student Nurses, throughout the United States, an opportunity to network with other professionals. CEU’s Awarded.

NURSES - JOIN US FOR A FUN-FILLED

3 DAY EVENT!!


Join ANA Staff in a Nurses’ WeekHealthy Weight Challenge

Join 3 ANA staff (Holly, Barb, and Suzy), in a Healthy Weight Challenge. While being a Healthy Nurse is more than “Healthy Weight,” they have chosen this as their focus, and have committed to losing 1-2 pounds a week until Nurse’s Week. Join in losing that “last 10 pounds” or that “first” 10 pounds! Take note of your weight today, and let’s each lose 1-2 pounds a week to become a healthier nurse. The ANA staff will be sharing our successes and posting evidence based resources for you on the ANA Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/AmericanNursesAssociation. Share your stories!

ANA/VSNA NewsIS YOUR NURSING

ORGANIZATION PLANNINGAN EDUCATION PROGRAM?

CONSIDER APPLYING FOR CONTACT HOUR APPROVAL

FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL THE VSNA OFFICE @ (802)

651-8886

Vermont State Nurses’ Association, Inc. is accredited as an approver

of continuing education in nursing by the American Nurses’ Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.

Stay Tuned for a Recruitment andRetention VSNA Raffle!

The VSNA Membership and Publicity Committee is planning an innovative raffle with opportunities to win some wonderful local merchant contributions. The Purpose of the raffle is to incentivize nurses to maintain their VSNA membership and attract new nurses to become VSNA members. Details to be announced in the next few weeks!

Membership and Publicity Committee Update 2-2013

Committee Goals:• EnsurethatVSNAremainsrelevanttotheneedsof

Vermont nurses• Retaincurrentmembers• Attractnewmemberstotheorganization• Increasevisibilityofnursesandtheroleweplayin

health care

The Membership Committee meets monthly to create and plan innovative strategies to meet our goals. Our membership continues to be strong and growing by a few members each quarter. Majority of our time this session has been preparing for a recruitment and retention innovative raffle.

Membership Options Because of ANA organizational structure changes, how

nurses join VSNA will look very different so stay tuned for updates on how these changes impact Vermont nurses.

Membership and Publicity Committee Needs You!!New members bring fresh ideas and will invigorate

the Membership and Publicity Committee. One-two hours dedicated per month is all the time needed. We meet monthly for one hour via conference call. If you are interested in joining please contact Ann Laramee at [email protected].

Committee Members: Meredith Roberts, Isabelle Sargeant, Paulette Thabault, Carol Hodges and Lynne Dapice, and Ann Laramee, Chair.

For more information visit the website www.vsna-inc.org/index.htm

Ideas or comments please direct them to Ann Laramee, chair of the committee at [email protected]

Membershipand PublicityCommittee


ANA/VSNA NewsLegislative Update

Submitted by Christine Ryan, RN, MSVSNA Lobbyist

Governor Shumlin identified education as his legislative priority during his State of the State Address in Montpelier on January 10, 2013. Improving upon our educational system in Vermont equates with job creation in our state. The Governor said, “It is time to embrace change.” Our state will continue to decrease the dependency upon oil, see continued growth with green employment opportunities, complete high speed internet access statewide, and implement a single payer healthcare system. According to Governor Shumlin, “It is not enough” and he believes that Vermont students are not ready to meet the next opportunity that awaits them. In response, Governor Shumlin has proposed several priorities as a means of improving education in Vermont, creating more employment opportunities in our state, and providing Vermont youth the ability to successfully obtain a job after college and remain in Vermont.

The educational priorities are as follows:- Universal Early Education- Free School Lunch Program for all those in need,

utilizing local food partnerships- Improving Educational Access and Affordability- Ensuring that math curriculum is a focal point within

all academic settings

With a busy political agenda beginning to take shape, it is imperative that all nurses participate in the legislative process. Here are several ways that nurses can become involved:

1. Join the Vermont State Nurse’s Association . Becoming a member supports the important work— Expertise, Advocacy, Innovation, and Leadership—of your state organization. Consider dual membership and join the American Nurses Association. Your participation supports the nursing profession nationwide.

2. Attend “Legislative Day” for nurses at the State House in Montpelier on April 18th, 2013. This is an important opportunity to witness and participate in legislative activities.

3. Introduce yourself . We have the luxury of living in a small state. Contact your local representatives and introduce yourself. Let them know you are a nurse and that you are planning on attending “Legislative Day” at the State House. Remember our legislators are our friends, neighbors, and fellow community members.

Nurses are educated to advocate for the individuals they provide care for. It is equally important for nurses to advocate for the nursing profession. The nursing profession continues to remain at the top of the list of most trusted professions.

As Vermont nurses let us:- Commit individually and professionally to our state

and national nursing organizations- Participate in the legislative process- Continue the discourse about the important work

nurses accomplish within our profession- Encourage collaboration within the health care

environments nurses contribute to- Celebrate our profession’s successes

Legislative and Committee on Government Affairs

UpdateChristine Ryan, RN, MS VSNA Lobbyist

The 2013 Legislative session began on January 9, 2013. Governor Shumlin has identified improving education in the state of Vermont as his top legislative priority. The Vermont State Nurses Association and members of the Committee on Government Affairs will be called upon to provide professional expertise and experiences to our national and local elected officials regarding legislation related to the nursing profession in 2013.

To ensure that Vermont nurses are represented when healthcare policies are formulated, all Vermont nurses need to get involved in the dialogue. The VSNA and the CGA needs to hear from you and we hope to be able to call on you when questions arise that you can help answer.

National Nursing Policy & Advocacy Priorities

- Workplace Violence- Title “Nurse” Protection- Nurse Staffing Plans & Ratios- Mandatory Overtime- Nursing Education- Safe Patient Handling- State Insurance Exchanges

State Nursing Policy & Advocacy Priorities

- Death with Dignity Legislation- Taxation on Sweetened Beverages- Gun Safety Legislation- Athlete Participation r/t Concussions

If you are interested in joining the CGA, please contact Christine Ryan, VSNA Lobbyist via email at [email protected]. Any amount of participation in the activities of the committee that your schedule will permit would be greatly appreciated.

Nurses are the largest and most trusted workforce in the American healthcare industry. We have the credentials to be one of the most influential voices in decisions regarding healthcare policy and legislation.

Let’s Make Sure Our Voices Are Heard!Quality Care Close to Home

North Country Hospital is a 25 bed critical access private, nonprofit acute care community hospital with physician practices serving twenty communities in a two-county area in the rural Northeast Kingdom of Vermont.

Join our team!We are currently seeking

RNs & LPNs• InpatientMedical/Surgical• IntensiveCareUnit• SurgicalServices~OperatingRoom

At North Country Hospital quality patient care is our greatest commitment, employees are our greatest asset, excellent patient experience is our greatest accomplishment, and the health of the community is our greatest responsibility.

For additional information contact: Tina Dupuis, Human Resources(802) 334-3210, ext. 407 E-Mail:[email protected]

www.northcountryhospital.org

North Country Hospital189 Prouty Drive, Newport, VT 05855

Full-Time Nursing Positions Full-time, tenure-track faculty positions in the nursing program,

starting August 2013, offer the opportunity to teach in our associate and baccalaureate degree programs in your area of expertise. We seek

candidates with Masters degrees in nursing and prefer applicants who are doctorally prepared or enrolled in doctoral programs. We are interested in individuals with expertise in medical surgical and maternal child nursing.

Part-time Nursing PositionsThese positions are well suited for nurses who are interested in the faculty role and want to maintain their current practice roles. Commitments may range from 6 to 15 hours weekly. A Master’s degree in Nursing is preferred

but consideration will be given to individuals enrolled in Master’s of Nursing programs. Positions are available in medical surgical, psychiatric, and

maternal child nursing in VT, NH, and NY.

To apply, please send hard copies of a cover letter and vitae with a list of references and completed CSC application (available on

www.castleton.edu) to: Dr. Tony Peffer, Academic Dean, Castleton State College, Castleton, VT 05735.


The Board of Nursing is delighted to introduce two new members to the eleven-member Board: Luana Tredwell, LPN member and Stephen “Nick” Morse, LNA member.

Luana Tredwell has been a Licensed Practical Nurse for 19 years, having completed her nursing education at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College in Salisbury, NC. She also holds a bachelor’s degree from Lehman College (City University of New York). Since 2005, Luana has worked as a corrections nurse and is currently a Health Services Administrator for Correct Care Solutions. Additionally, she is a Certified Correctional Health Professional (CCHP).

For several years Luana has been a primary instructor for Stafford Technical Center’s nursing assistant education program where she has contributed to the program’s growth and success. Her career has spanned camp nursing, long-term care and hospital nursing, and working in a medical practice. She enjoys teaching in all settings and values the variety that a nursing career offers. A life-long learner, she expects to receive her Allied Health Educator Certificate in the summer of 2013. Her “spare

time” activities include reading and spending time with her family.

Stephen Morse became a Licensed Nursing Assistant nine years ago. He grew up on a dairy farm, attended a one-room schoolhouse in Cornwall, Vermont, and graduated with honors from Middlebury High School. He served in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam era and studied Chinese history and culture upon his return.

Stephen’s many interests are reflected in his career and volunteer activities. He has served as a hospital cook, a university custodian, a church sexton, and a licensed nursing assistant. Stephen works at Wake Robin as a medical scheduler and driver. His avocations include gardening, reading, volunteering with hospice, and visiting hospitalized patients and nursing home residents.

The Board of Nursing acknowledges the two members who completed a decade of service at the end of December 2012. Donarae Metcalf, LPN, and Sandra Norton, LNA, each served two terms with dedication, generously contributing their expertise and perspectives to the Board’s consideration of practice, education, and disciplinary issues.

Specialty Organizations

Stephen Morse

Luana Tredwell

Vermont State Board of NursingNew Board Members

Looking for a job in home health anywhere in Vermont,

go to www.vnavt.com for a complete list.

HOME CARE MANAGERFull Time

Our Home Care Manager will be responsible for providing supervision and leadership to a geographic home care team of clinical professionals including RNs, LPNs, OT/PT/STs and MSW. The successful candidate will be a PT or a RN, Vermont physical therapy/nursing license with at least 3 years community health nursing experience and at least 2 years of management experience.

HOME CARE REGISTERED NURSEFull Time or Per Diem

As a Home Health Nurse you will be responsible for coordinating and providing high quality multidisciplinary skilled health services in a home setting to patients in the Central Vermont area. We are committed to providing high quality care that preserves patient dignity while helping to achieve the highest degree of recovery, comfort and independence. The successful candidate will be a VT Licensed RN and a minimum of one year of experience in med/surg, valid driver’s license and reliable vehicle a must.

To apply, please e-mail a cover letter and resume to [email protected]. EOE

600 Granger Road • Barre, VT 05641 TEL 802. 223-1878 • FAX 802.229.6122

www.cvhhh.org

Hand-Delivering the Care to Our Homes

Flowers, donated by Price Chopper, areavailable weekly to bring to our patients.

Pictured: Laura Murphy, Occupational Therapist

Be A Part of What It’s Really About.... HAVE AN ASSOCIATES DEGREE?

HAVE YOUR BSN?LOOKING TO TAKE THAT NEXT STEP IN YOUR CAREER?

THE VERMONT ARMY NATIONAL GUARD CAN PAY YOU A STIPEND IN THE AMOUNT OF $2122

PER MONTH WHILE YOU PURSUE YOUR

BACHELORS OF SCIENCE IN NURSING ORFAMILY NURSE PRACTITIONER

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:SFC BENJAMIN GERACE 802.338.3426 [email protected]

CelebrateNational

Nurses WeekMay 6-12


802-828-1635Join us at the newest medical

center, in Alaska’s fastest growing economy. We are highly

ranked in patient satisfaction and core measure scores.

Competitive wages with exceptional benefits package including Medical/Dental/

Vision/Life, 401k with Employer Match, Paid Time Off,

Relocation and Sign On Bonus.

Apply online atwww.matsuregional.com

or [email protected]

april, may, june 2013 vermont nurse connection • page 1 … · 2018-03-31 · april, may, june...

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