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Thoughts on the Value of ConventionEve Franklin, Executive Director

In the midst of all the change anduncertainty that exists in our world, onceagain we gather together for our annualconvention as a strong professionalgroup. The challenges continue to comeat us, and they seem to become morecomplex as the health care industry triesto cut costs making an end run aroundthose who know best how to run costefficient patient oriented systems, profes-sional nurses.

This past year, membership was con-fronted with significant assaults on nursing practice and qualitypatient care:There was an unsuccessful challenge to Certified Reg-istered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) ability to function legitimatelyin their independent scope of practice; we legislatively defeatedthe expansion of EMT practice to include care provision in an in-patient setting; the Board of Medical Examiners continues to writeinadequate rules for the Medical Assistant Bill of 2003 thereby com-promising patient safety by undermining the value of bedside nurs-ing care; most recently, the Gold Street Clinic in Butte run by twoseasoned Nurse Practitioners is experiencing an ugly challenge totheir ability to care for their patients through the actions of a mis-guided physician and a compliant hospital board who has soughtto bar them from ordering appropriate diagnostic tests. Whilethese events may not on at first blush seem connected, there is ashared theme that drives them.The crude truth is that what drivesthese actions are a pursuit of money and power.The patient is get-ting lost in the equation. We have all been involved in a long bat-tle to put the patient first, to focus on developing health care sys-tems that were patient oriented. We are now experiencing anerosion of the inroads we had made over the last decades…sor-

MNA Helps with Post HurricaneReliefEve Franklin, Executive Director

Many thanks to Ellen Thompson nursing faculty at Montana StateUniversity Bozeman College of Nursing at the Billings Campus for herunflagging efforts to turn an idea into a reality.A few weeks prior toconvention I was listening to reports of children stranded in sheltersthroughout Louisiana and Mississippi with no personal belongings.The reality of children trapped in an unfamiliar place no diversionaryactivities . . . well . . . anyone who had ever cared for children . . . thevery thought breaks your heart both for the kids and the parents whoare helpless to provide solace for their children.

We came up with the idea of filling backpacks with school sup-plies,books and toys that would be distributed to the children in shel-ters. But the nuts and bolts of making such a thing happen is a chal-

The PulseTHE OFFICIAL

PUBLICATION

OF THE MONTANA

NURSES’ ASSOCIATION

I N S I D E

APRNs Needed4

Convention Highlights Page 9-13

VOL. 42 NO. 4

OCTOBER-DECEMBER 2005

Presort StandardUS Postage

PAIDPermit #161

Princeton, MN

Eve Franklin

Denise Trautman, Milly Gutkoski and EveFranklin revel in the success of “Backpacks for

Kids” campaign

BE SURE TO VOTEMNA CANDIDATEPROFILES INSIDE

(PAGES 16-17)

Women Healers throughthe AgesRachel Rockafellow, MSN, RN, CWOCN

It is Halloween weekend as I write this column. It brings to mindthe pamphlet by Barbara Ehrenreich and Deirdre English called Witch-es,Midwives,and Nurses,A History of Women Healers.The entire workis only 43 pages and was never an assigned reading in nursing school.The Feminist Press in New York published it in 1973 when thewomen’s movement was gaining momentum. I sometimes mentionthe book to freshman nursing students in the on-line class I co-teachcalled “Nursing as a Profession.”

Recently a colleague of mine at the College of Nursing borrowedthe book and had fun with its view of medical history. BarbaraPrescott,DNP,FNP,RNC, jotted a note saying,“WOW! Pretty sexist andyet we are still at the tip of the iceberg. But there has been progresssince you had to stand when a doctor entered the nursing station.”

The authors claim “Women have always been healers.” It is a state-ment many of the women I know can relate to,nurse or not. At a timewhen women were barred from books and lectures, women sharedhealing knowledge woman to woman, neighbor to neighbor, andmother to daughter.The authors claim “These were the “wise women”by the people, witches or charlatans by the authorities. Medicine ispart of our heritage as women,our history,our birthright.”At the timethe book was written, health care was the property of male profes-sionals.The numbers have changed from 93 percent of all doctors andadministrators being male then to a more even distribution today,butone can still say it is a male-dominated profession.

Ehrenreich and English propose that the take over of medicinefrom women occurred before modern scientific technology and wasbased on political and economic monopolization of medicine. It waspart of the history of sex struggle in general, a political struggle, andfinally a class struggle.Women took care of “the people”with male pro-fessionals serving the ruling class.They conclude that the interventionof the ruling class on the male professional’s behalf is what ultimatelybrought about their domination of health care.

Women healers of the 14th to 17th century were burned at thestake (at an average of 600 a year in some areas) according to theauthors because they represented a political, religious and sexualthreat to the Protestant and Catholic churches and the state.Witcheswere often accused of having magical powers over health and specif-ically with possessing medical and obstetrical skills.They were helpers

(continued on page 2)



—Montana Nurses’ Association Pulse—October, November, December 2005

lenge . . . here is where Ellen came in. She made connec-tions with Don Molitor who operates a trucking firm outof Boulder,Montana,paved the way with Denise Trautmana manager at The Red Lion Colonial Hotel and before Icould say “NOW Whaddawedo?” Ellen Thompson haddeveloped a network of focused actors who made therelief concept a concrete reality by volunteering theirtime and effort.

Many thanks to all the members who donated over200 backpacks filled with colorful art supplies, sparklingnew school supplies, developmental toys and children’sbooks at different age levels.Thanks to Don Molitor whoused his own business resources to truck this load southand thanks to Denise Trautman who smoothed the wayfor us to store the backpacks at the hotel.

rowfully, often the excuse of a nursing shortage is used tojustify changes that would be detrimental to patient care.But the real culprit…and we all know it…is that those whocontrol the health care industry see nursing’s attempts toimprove the quality of patient care as draining what theysee as THEIR portion of the health care dollar.

The value of belonging to a professional organizationhas many levels.We meet a variety of needs through ourassociation as nurses. We fulfill our needs to “belong”, toaffiliate with others, we meet our educational needs, butmake no mistake, the need to band together for action onthe regulatory and legislative front is more important thanever.

The stamina of our Association is being tested again asexternal forces eat away at the core of nursing.Talk to yourcolleagues about the importance of membership. It isn’tjust a club.When they ask,“Why do you belong? What gooddoes it do?”Answer the following:

I want to work in an environment where my nursingexpertise has value,where the system values human needs,where it is safe to take my own family member for care.

When I see our convention hall filled with caring,expert, altruistic nurses, I know we have no choice but topersevere.

PUBLISHER INFORMATION & AD RATES

WRITER’S GUIDELINES:

MNA

MISSION STATEMENT

WHO WE ARE

CONTACTING MNA

“Backpacks stack up as conventionattendees

arrive”

Thoughts on the Value of Convention(continued from page 1)

MNA Helps with Post HurricaneRelief(continued from page 1)

TThhee PPuullsseeOfficial Publication of the Montana Nurses’

Association

Montana Nurses’Association104 Broadway, Suite G-2

Helena, MT 59601 Phone (406) 442-6710

Fax (406) 442-1841 Email: [email protected]

Website: www.mtnurses.orgOffice Hours: 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Monday through Friday

The Montana Nurses’Association is a professional association forregistered nurses, including advanced practice registered nurses,students and retired nurses in Montana. MNA provides collective

bargaining services, continuing education, and professional networking opportunities. MNA advocates on behalf of nursesbefore the Montana legislature, the Montana Board of Nursing,

and other public policy bodies.

The Montana Nurses’Association promotes professional nursing practice, standards and education; represents

professional nurses; and provides nursing leadership in promoting high quality health care.

Board Executive Committee:President Kate Steenberg, RN, CCRNPresident-Elect Linda Henderson, RNSecretary/Treasurer Lori Chovanak, BSN, RNC

Board of Directors:Diane Evans,APRN Mary Munger, RNMaxine Ferguson, RN Barb Prescott, RNC, FNP, NDAmy Hauschild, RN Mae Rittal, RN

Editor: Eve Franklin, MSN, RNAssistant Editor: Jolene Devine

Editorial Board:Lynn Hebert RN, Chair—Sun RiverMary Pappas,APRN—HavreBarbara Prescott,APRN—LakesideMae Rittal, RN—SidneyRachel Rockafellow, RN—Bozeman

MNA Staff:Eve Franklin, Executive DirectorPat Wise, Labor Relations DirectorRaymond Berg, Labor Relations SpecialistJolene Devine,Administrative Assistant

Questions about your nursing license? Contact the MontanaBoard of Nursing at: (406) 841-2300.

Any author is welcome to submit an article relatedto nursing or Montana nurses in The Pulse. Pleasecontact the Assistant Editor at [email protected].

Circulation 17,000 to every Registered Nurse,Licensed Practical Nurse & Nursing Student in Mon-tana. The Pulse is published 4 times annually by theArthur L. Davis Agency for the Montana Nurses’Asso-ciation, 104 Broadway, Suite G-2, Helena, MT 59601.

Acceptance of advertising does not imply endorse-ment or approval by the Montana Nurses’Associationof products advertised, the advertisers, or the claimsmade. Rejection of an advertisement does not imply aproduct offered for advertising is without merit, orthat the manufacturer lacks integrity, or that this asso-ciation disapproves of the product or its use. MNAand Arthur L. Davis Publishing Agency shall not beheld liable for any consequences resulting from pur-chase or use of an advertiser’s product. Articlesappearing in this publication express the opinions ofthe authors.They do not necessarily reflect views ofthe staff, board or membership of MNA or those ofthe national or local associations.

Advertising Rates: Contact Arthur L. Davis Agency,517 Washington St., P.O. Box 216, Cedar Falls, IA50613, 800-626-4081. MNA and the Arthur L. DavisAgency reserve the right to reject any advertisement.Responsibility for errors in advertising is limited tocorrections in the next issue or refund of price ofadvertisement.

Material is copyrighted 2005 by the Montana Nurses’Association and may not be reprinted without writ-ten permission from MNA.

Patrice Moffettand Bobbi

Rasmussen addtheir

contributions tothe “Backpacks

for Kids” fundraiser that

was a huge success in

helping children

displaced byHurricanes Katrina and

Rita.

Pat Wise, Labor Relations Director

As a labor union as well as aprofessional association, theMontana Nurses’ Associationadvocates improved terms andconditions of work andimproved patient care not onlybecause it is the right thing todo, but because these issuesare inseparable.

As a union, members have alegally protected right to dis-cuss and negotiate any pro-posed changes in work termsand conditions—either through negotiations on a newcontract or through regularly scheduled ProfessionalConference Committee (PCC) meetings—where theunion and management sit as equal partners. In contractnegotiations and in discussions at PCC you have a right,as a minimum, to engage in good faith negotiation tocome to a reasonable agreement over issues.

Shared governance/practice councils-when not usedin conjunction with the collective bargaining processcan be exploited by hospital administrators as a meansof undermining the rights of union members to negoti-ate over terms and conditions of employment thataffect nurses and patients.

Employers often create these bodies as either anemployer-dominated “employee organization” or toremove issues from PCC meetings to a forum in whichthey dominate the decision-making process.Merely hav-ing the opportunity to “ have input” or to “make sugges-tions” or to “share your ideas and opinions” is not real“shared governance”. In these settings, if you make asuggestion and management doesn’t like it, whatrecourse do you have? None.

For nurses in unionized settings, it is time that we re-establish our right to have issues related to workingconditions–including improved patient care–brought tocontract negotiations or PCC meetings where you canhave a real voice and more importantly, the legally pro-tected right to challenge management and negotiateyour position.

At the beginning of the 20th century the biggestthreat to employee-led labor unions was the company-dominated labor organization, and it may be re-appear-ing at the beginning of the 21st century.The Wagner Actgranted employees the right to organize into unionsthat would bargain collectively over terms and condi-tions of work.The union provided employees the rightto organize themselves collectively with the employerover terms and conditions of employment.

October, November, December 2005—Montana Nurses’ Association Pulse—

An employer engages in an unfair labor practice (sec-tion 8(a)(2) of the National Labor Relations Act) when itdominates a labor organization of its employees. Howdo you determine when shared governance/practicecouncils stop being a method to communicate withemployees and start being an unfair labor practice? TheNational Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has ruled that anemployer dominates when,“the impetus behind the for-mation of an organization of employees emanates fromthe employer and the organization has no effective exis-tence independent of the employer’s active involve-ment, a finding of domination is appropriate if the pur-pose of the organization is to deal with the employerconcerning conditions of employment”(Electromation,Inc. and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters,Local No. 1049).

This definition which applies to both union and non-union facilities, covers many issues commonlyaddressed in shared governance/practice committees(e.g. new technology, scheduling, job descriptions,required duties) and we must review each issue todetermine if the shared governance/practice committeeis infringing on the legal territory established for theunion by federal law. Employers retain the right to com-municate with their employees and seek their opinion,but they cannot replace negotiations and PCC meetingswith shared governance/practice committees when theissues involve terms and conditions of employment.

What can you do to combat attempts of employerdomination?

If you work in a facility that does not have any typeof shared governance/practice councils, block anyattempts by your employer to create such a body. First,educate your fellow members about the principle thattheir union is their voice on all matters that affect theirwork including issues traditionally identified as profes-sional–your ability to care for patients is a condition ofemployment.Then, inform your employer that you viewany attempt to circumvent negotiations or PCC as anunfair labor practice and assure the employer all suchissues can be raised through the collective bargainingprocess.

If you work in a facility that has some type of sharedgovernance/practice council, then in addition to edu-cating your members and informing the employer thatraising issues about working conditions is illegal, youmust monitor these shared governance meetings. Youmust gain access to meetings, voice concerns aboutissues that you feel should be taken to the union andkeep minutes of meeting proceedings. The recordedminutes and documents that established the body areessential evidence in establishing an unfair labor prac-tice against an employer that has created an employer-dominated labor organization.

United American NursesUpdate UAN MobilizationFundAmy Hauschild BSN RN

As you may recall Maria Gur-reri’s 2005 UAN delegate reportoutlined a concept, which hascome to be known as the “Unit-ed American Nurses (UAN)Mobilization Fund.” Maria out-lined the reasons why UANrequires such action from itsmembership and the basis forsupporting the 2005 NationalLabor Assembly Resolution 3-05.

Since that time, I have beenasked to participate in a small working group made upof Economic & General Welfare chairpersons fromaround the country.This group is known as the “Nation-al Labor Cabinet Advisors,” in this case specificallyregarding the Mobilization Fund. The advisory groupmet in late August and provided a written report to theUAN Executive Council. The UAN Executive Councilwill then report to the National Labor Cabinet duringit’s meeting on November 7, 2005. I will be in atten-dance and will provide an update in the next edition ofthe Pulse.

The UAN is urgently seeking a massive infusion ofresources needed to mobilize the power of nurses andstrengthen our ability to win pay, benefits and respectfor nurses and safe care for patients.

The UAN in concert with its state affiliates has thegreatest opportunity to organize and concentrate thepower of nurses.Together, we have the national identi-ty and credibility to speak for professional union nurs-es.

The UAN Mobilization Fund is an investment bymembers to multiply the collective power of staff nurs-es at every health care facility, in every UAN state, and atthe national level.

In order to generate an additional $9 million exclu-sively for organizing, union growth and union building,the 2005 National Labor Assembly has endorsed theconcept of what amounts to approximately fifty centsper week assessment of all UAN members for threeyears beginning in 2006.

The Advisory Committee, the UAN Executive Counciland the National Labor Cabinet will provide directionand implementation plans to the 2006 National LaborAssembly in March 2006.

Labor Relations The Dangers of ‘Shared Governance’

Pat Wise

Amy Hauschild

Raymond Berg Labor Relations Specialist

The telephone rings. Theperson on the other end of thephone states, “We need aunion, how do we start?”

At Montana Nurses’Associa-tion we often receive a phonecall asking how to start aunion. The person calling isusually on a fact-finding mis-sion to share with their col-leagues the results of thephone call. The initial conver-sation usually ends up being one-sided as the personcalling describes dangerous and deplorable workingconditions and needs to vent frustration over the lack ofaction by management. The conversation usually endswith “This is about patient safety and management justwon’t listen, and if management does listen they won’tdo anything to fix the problem.” Thus begins anotherattempt to explain the process of organizing a local bar-gaining unit.

The initial information relayed to the caller is aboutthe process of voting for a union. One of the initial firststeps is gathering of signature cards.The signature cardbasically says the person signing the card supports hav-ing an election for union representation. After theappropriate number of cards have been gathered (33%of workers desiring a union) is required.The cards aresubmitted along with a petition for representation filedto the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB).The NLRBinvestigates the filing to determine if there is sufficientinterest and an appropriate number of people desiringto have an election. If sufficient interest is warranted

the NLRB tries to hold the election within 45 days.TheNLRB acts as a neutral party; they investigate who is eli-gible to vote. They establish the date, time, hours, andlocation of the election. An officer of the NLRB showsup with ballots and a portable voting booth and thensupervises the election. As the polls close the ballotsfrom the election are then counted in front of the prin-cipals and the rest of the story is history.Either you havewon or lost the election.

Other information relayed to the caller is the realityof success, the length of the process, management’sreaction, anti-union sentiments, community reactions,fears, vulnerability,hard work lack of understanding andlittle support.We don’t make promises and we don’t tellthem about the good times because those are self-evi-dent. After divulging this information the call usuallyends with a recommendation to talk with their col-leagues and give us a call to see if you want to set up ameeting.A large majority of the people never calls back.When someone does call back a meeting time and placeis set and the process begins.

The motivation behind the organizing attempt is cru-cial. People who want to organize have many of the fol-lowing characteristics.They are courageous can-do sortof people.They recognize if you complain you must actand try for solutions. They are problem solvers. Theycare about other colleagues as well as their patients.They are not self serving.They are vested in communi-ty and believe in fair play.The world is better becausepeople like this are so valuable.

It is typically working conditions that drive an orga-nizing attempt.The attempt to organize can be scary forthe people involved. If management of the hospitalemploys the help of union busters then the processbecomes very scary, very fast for the faint-of-heart.Thefolks who have asked for assistance usually become

more resilient and adamant in their efforts to impactchange for the nurses’ safety as well as for the safety ofpatients they serve.

Management has 45 days to respond to the organiz-ing attempt. Union busters monitor the NLRB daily tofind out what facility is attempting to organize.As soonas they find out they will send faxes to the facility offer-ing their services and expertise to keep the union out.Why is this?

A union contract garners some of the power frommanagement. Without a union, a person is an at-willemployee.This means that you are at the complete willof the employer and typically any grievance policystops at the desk of the chief executive. With a unionyou can negotiate a contract that has binding arbitrationincluded. Binding arbitration works very similar to acourt proceeding. Witnesses are called, an outsideimpartial person listens to testimony on the case andthen provides a ruling on the case. Which scenariosounds more like democracy to you?

Union busters use mandatory meetings and reams ofpaper to show how bad a union will be for the facility.They also use video footage that shows the ugliness ofa strike.They will use half-truths and false accounting tofrightened people away from organizing. As a result ofunion busting families suffer, friendships are strained orbroken, mangers are made to feel the organizingattempt is a personal attack and during all of this man-agement now wants to suddenly listen to the concernsof the worker.Why?

Another point to consider, why would any one letanother entity tell them about the entity? Or to makethe point more personal how would you like someonewho doesn’t know you tell others what you do anddefine your character? Most intelligent people wouldsay no way, I wouldn’t allow someone to do that norwould I listen to them. But in reality, this happens.Theamazing thing to me is people do this very thing. TheMNA is painted to be some outside adversarial trouble-making organization. Informed nurses get the Pulsefree of charge four times a year showing what the MNAis and does; yet people will let someone else tell themwho MNA is and for what we stand.The sad part, in alost election a majority of the people had to believe theunion busters.They never quite grasp that the union isthe local people negotiating a contract controlling theirown destiny.The people who vote for the union are theunion. Every negative thing said about unions is beingsaid about the people who want to organize. Sad buttrue.

In closing, I dare the people of any election who lis-tened to a union buster’s campaign and that votedagainst the MNA to read the book titled Confessions ofa Union Buster by Martin Jay Levitt with Terry Con-row and reflect on your experience of an election.

Perhaps it must be hard to look in the mirror andsleep at night?


Labor RelationsAttempts to Organize a Local Unit

Raymond Berg

Economic and General Welfare(E&GW) Alive and Well

Amy Hauschild BSN RN

Things are alive and well in the E&GW program withinMontana Nurses’ Association (MNA). We have had a veryactive year;our Labor staff has successfully negotiated 17 of20 (85%) of our local bargaining unit’s contracts in ’05.Obviously, we would not have planned for this high per-centage of contract negotiations to take place in one year,a number of external factors drove this issue and MNA staffrose to the occasion and performed outstandingly. Interest-based bargaining was utilized with 3 of the contract nego-tiation processes. MNA has had marked success with theInterest-based process in recent years, it is our hope to pro-mote and educate our membership regarding this style ofbargaining and utilize it when appropriate.

As many of you are probably aware,MNA has a new bar-gaining unit at Rosebud Hospital in Forsyth. During theMNA convention in Helena in early October,we were luckyenough to have met one of the key RNs that helped to leadthe organizing campaign at her place of employment. It isan exciting time for those RNs, they are bargaining theirfirst contract,even in the face of this daunting task,and theyremain positive and excited about the work before them.We have other organizing “irons in the fire” and will keepyou updated on those activities as appropriate.

MNA has devoted considerable resources to grievances,mediations and arbitrations this year.This may be an indi-cator of several different things. Are working conditionsdeteriorating and bargaining unit leadership bringing moreissues to the forefront? Are bargaining unit leaders moreeducated and actively involved in servicing their contractsand therefore more grievances are being filed? How doesthe nationwide nursing shortage play into this equation?Are some employers less willing to resolve problemsbefore they become grievances and less willing to resolvegrievances at the lowest level? I feel it is probably a combi-nation of factors leading us to this place; however, I amexcited about the potential for increasing employer rela-tions in all of our units.Specific mechanisms to accomplishthis are educating about and activating Professional Con-ference Committees, educating and participating in Inter-est-based negotiations and in general, more contact andcommunication with hospitals/employers.

MNA is planning the ’06 Leadership Retreat in ChicoHot springs and will provide a well-organized and produc-tive training session focusing on some of the above-men-tioned topics.

Economic & General WelfareOctober, November, December 2005—Montana Nurses’ Association Pulse—

MNA 101—“Introduction to YourProfessional Organization: TheRole of Collective Bargaining”


An exciting first time offer-ing was held for Student Nurs-es during the Montana Nurses’Association (MNA) Conventionin Helena this year. MNA LaborDirector Pat Wise and Econom-ic and General Welfare ChairAmy Hauschild wanted toengage nursing studentsattending their Montana Stu-dent Nurses Association meet-ing about issues surroundingCollective Bargaining and Pro-fessional Nursing.

The event was well attended; Montana State Univer-sity BSN students were from Bozeman, Great Falls andMissoula. Information presented ranged from generalconcepts about MNA to specifics about what types ofthings are included in Professional Nurses labor con-tracts with their employers.A brief history, backgroundand statistical information were provided about MNA.Key concepts presented were: MNA Protects/PromotesExcellence in Nurse Practice in the Workplace; Govern-ment Relations Activities; Collective Bargaining “nutsand bolts,” Organizing facts/myths, Professional Devel-opment Support and Communications Issues.

Feedback from students was positive; they reportedthis was information they thought would be helpful tostudents in the future. Nursing students who have ques-tions about any issue including MNA or Collective Bar-gaining should feel free to contact me at home (406)543 4110.

Amy Hauschild


and healers for people who had no doctors or hospitals butwere “bitterly afflicted with poverty and disease.”

University trained physicians started in the centurybefore the “witch-craze,”13th century Europe.It was firmlyestablished as a secular science and a profession, andwomen were excluded from those universities and there-by marginalized.The church allowed the new profession toprosper because university-trained physicians were notpermitted to practice without having a priest to advisethem or on a patient who refused confession. The wealthythen sought out the care of the university-trained physicianand if they lived, it was in spite of the doctor. Remember,this is before the discovery of the germ theory. Curesincluded bleeding, leeches, or humours. With universitytraining required to practice medicine, and women beingbarred from universities, women could no longer legallytreat patients.

This information could be just interesting historicalinformation if similar problems for women healers weren’tcontinuing today right here in Montana. Eve Franklin, theExecutive Director of the Montana Nurses’ Association,recently sent out the following e-mail:

As most of you know Shari Healy and Vicki Thuesenhave an independent APRN (advanced practice registerednurse) practice in Butte called Gold St. Clinic. There hasbeen a serious challenge made to their practice and, there-fore,ALL APRN practice in the state.Dr Jesse Cole, a radiol-ogist who is a contracted head of the St. James RadiologyDepartment, has been refusing all requests for radiologicalwork except for chest films and extremities.

Women Healers Through the Ages (continued from page 1)

Susan Porrovecchio, BSN, RN, CARN

It was my distinct honor to be able to attend the 5th US-Russian Nursing Conference July 28 through August 12,2005,“Bridging Cultures to Enhance Health Care.”

We began our journey in one of Russia’s oldest cities,Novgorod;then boarded the MS Bauman to cruise the Russ-ian Waterways on to St. Petersburg and finally end ouradventure in Moscow.What an incredible experience!

Within the group we had 40 participants representingthe US,England and South Africa,as well as 20 Russian nurs-es (including those who also acted as interpreters). Duringthe course of our time together publications and presenta-tions authored by American and Russian nurses were pre-sented.

My presentations included a Poster Presentation andFocused Discussion Group: “Addictions Nursing—CaringFor at Risk Populations Within the Criminal Justice System.”I welcomed this opportunity to showcase the work we doat Treasure State Corrections Treatment Center (TSCTC); itgoes without saying perhaps that none of the conferenceparticipants had heard of anything quite like our facility.Acommon theme(s) however was our challenge in treatingTB and HIV/AIDS; an aging and increasingly chronically illpopulation;providing access to health care for all.

In addition to having my “Cold War”mentality shatteredby personal interaction with Russia’s beautiful land andpeople,highlights included the opportunity to visit numer-ous nursing facilities:

1. Institute of Velikiy Norgorod State University andmeeting with the Head of Nursing,G.I.Chuvakov,MD.

2. St. Petersburg Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, tour byStaff Nurse Olga Egorova

3. Presentation by Valentina Antonova Sarkisova, Presi-dent of the Russian Nurses’Association . . . consistingof 57 regional association and more than 96,000 nurs-es,established in 1992.

4. Visit to a local Hospice Center in Uroslav, tour byNurse Olga Morozova.

5. Milestones of Nursing in Russia, presented by YuriBessonov,MD.

6. “Sharing Nursing Knowledge Across Cultural Bor-ders:” The nursing shortage; Tuberculosis treatmentchallenges;nursing and the changing health care sys-tem.

Apart from language and culture, we found commonground in so many areas.We all came into the profession ofnursing for diverse reasons and are working in a variety ofsettings, carrying on in the face of political, professional,economic and personal difficulties.

The Russian nurses and conference participants as awhole were role models in every way imaginable; motivat-ed and dedicated to their profession and to providing thebest possible care they can.

Special recognition is deserved for the outstanding sup-port that this ongoing collaboration receives from the Inter-national Council of Nurses,the Honor Society of Nursing—

Obesity EpidemicObesity has reached epidemic proportions in the

United States! According to the Census Bureau’s Statisti-cal Abstract of the United States, 2004, 58 percent ofpeople age 18 and older were above a healthy weightand 23 percent were considered obese.

Under the current fashion to be thin, overweight per-sons suffer. Many turn to bulimia, excessive exercise orself-starvation in attempts to control their compulsion.Most suffer a self-doubt that plagues their livelihoods,their social lives and their relationships.

Nurses can and should be at the forefront of combat-ing this serious public health issue. Nurses see obesepatients in all types of health-care settings: hospitals,clinics, doctor’s offices and homes. One only has to lookat a patient to see the problem.Obesity is easily spotted!Generally the obese person is a compulsive eater. Thistype of person cannot stop eating once they start. Oncethe patient gives in to the mental obsession for a partic-ular trigger food, the physical craving takes over, the per-son cannot stop eating and weight gain continues.

While many patients lose weight through variousmethods,both healthy and unhealthy, the weight is even-tually regained and goes even higher. Many have usedOvereaters Anonymous (OA), a 12 Step program, torecover.Overeaters Anonymous is not a diet club.OA fol-lows the principles of Alcoholics Anonymous and is aFellowship of individuals who support one another intheir recovery from compulsive overeating.There are nodues or fees for membership. Anyone with a desire tostop eating compulsively is welcome. OA acknowledgesthat compulsive eating is a three-fold disease: physical,emotional and spiritual which manifests with physicalsymptoms and emotional problems but has a spiritualsolution.

Nurses are welcome to visit an OA meeting in theirstate to see first-hand how the program is changinglives.Additional information about OA as well as meetingtimes and locations can be obtained on the OA websiteat www.OA.org. A Professional Kit can be obtained bycalling the OA World Service Office at (505) 891-2664.Your patients will thank you!

Their patients have been turned away at the radiologydepartment and told to get a physician,or they have had togo to Anaconda for diagnostics.This has been going on fora number of weeks.Dr.Cole insists that they are “practicingmedicine without a license” and has threatened to makethis a test case. He has filed a complaint with both theBOME (board of medical examiners) and the BON (boardof nursing). He has managed to convince St. James CEO,James Kiser, that he is in the right.

The statute and rules are clear.These two popular andsuccessful Butte APRNs are functioning within their scopeof practice.Shari and Vicki have retained legal counsel, andthey are looking at their options.

Remember, every assault on our colleagues’ ability topractice is an assault on all nurses, APRNs and all profes-sional registered nurses who want to maintain legitimateautonomy within their particular scope of practice.

The worst of this of course is that patient care is beingcompromised. Patients have been turned away, patientshave had to wait, their right to choose their provider hasbeen impaired.

Vicki and Shari need our support.Letters to the MontanaStandard would be helpful. Please contact them and letthem know you are willing to help: Gold St. Clinic, Butte,MT; telephone:406 782-9090;FAX 406 782-9191.

I have now deviated quite far from the pamphlet I start-ed this article with. Let’s suffice to say the rest of the shortwork is equally interesting.We need to continue the strug-gle for a place for women healers in our society withoutcalling them witches (or words that rhyme with it).

Bridging Cultures to Enhance Health CareSigma Theta Tau and the Canadian Nurses’Association.

For more information on this continuing educationalopportunity and how you might become involved in sup-porting US Russian Nursing efforts:

Conference CoordinatorsSean McGivern: (603) 624-8630 or seanmcg140@

aol.comMarie Driever: (503) 215-6223 or marie.driever@provi-

dence.orgRachel DiFazio: (978) 927-4452 or Rachel.difazio@chinl-

drens.harvard.eduSusan Porrovecchio a practicing registered nurse for

the past thirty years, currently staff nurse for the TreasureState Correctional Treatment Center (TSCTC) in DeerLodge where she was recognized by the Department ofCorrections in July 2005 for ten years of service.TSCTC isa sixty bed inpatient four to six month alternative sen-tencing program for convicted adult male felons.An eclec-tic combination of military discipline and physical exer-cise, together with intensive educational programming(i.e.: anger management, victimology, GED certification,substance abuse treatment, parenting and health classes),the goal is to facilitate behavior change using CognitivePerceptual Restructuring (CP&R). For more informationcontact Susan at [email protected]

Susan Porrovecchio

at St. Petersburg

5th US-RussianNursing

Conference-2005 Susan

Porrovecchiowith Valentina

AntonovnaSarkisava,

Russian Nurses’AssociationPresident


Newly Formed MontanaChapter of Clinical NurseSpecialists Gets BusyCharlene A. Winters, DNSc, APRN, BC, CNSSusan Luparell, PhD, APRN, BC, CNS

The Montana Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists(MACNS) was established in July of 2004.Themembers are clinical nurse specialists whoshare common interests and concerns relatedto CNS practice, education, and research. Thepurpose of the group is to promote the uniquecontributions clinical nurse specialists make torural individuals, communities, and health caresystems and to advance the education of clini-cal nurse specialists. Chapter members haveexperience in several specialties and sub-spe-cialties including medical-surgical nursing, trau-ma/burns, cardiovascular, adult health, criticalcare, community health, and neonatal nursing.

MACNS is affiliated with the National Association of ClinicalNurse Specialists (www.nacns.org).Since its inception,chapter members have con-sulted with faculty from Montana State Univer-sity-Bozeman College of Nursing (MSU) on vari-ous educational issues related to MSU’s newClinical Nurse Specialist program. Chaptermembers have also advocated for CNS practicethroughout the state of Montana through pre-sentations and participation in educational con-ferences and State Board of Nursing meetings.At their spring meeting,MACNS members madeplans to organize a state-wide database of prac-ticing clinical nurse specialists to improve com-

munication among CNSs and to encourage partnershipswith the newly formed chapter. Future plans include edu-cational activities specifically designed for clinical special-ists.

For more information about the chapter, contact Char-lene “Charlie” Winters at [email protected] or (406)243-4608.

Nursing Education ClassesOfferedSusan Luparell, PhD, APRN, BCCharlene A. Winters, DNSc, APRN, BC

Thinking about a career change? Why not try nursingeducation? Recent data strongly suggest that the nursingshortage is being fueled by an increasing faculty shortage(American Association of Colleges of Nursing,2005).Thus, the time is ripe to consider thiscareer opportunity.

The National League for Nursing (2002)has recommended that sufficient courseworkin educational theory be included in thepreparation of nurse educators. MontanaState University-Bozeman College of Nursingis now offering three nursing educationcourses that provide a strong theoretical foun-dation for nurses who wish to transition intoa more formal teaching role. However, thecourses are also valuable for staff nurses whowish to enhance their skills working with students in anysetting.

To provide for optimum flexibility, thenursing education courses are offered in a pri-marily online format. The first of the coursesfocuses on adult learning theory and associat-ed teaching strategies,as well as how to assessand evaluate student learning. Faculty rolesand responsibilities,as well as curriculum andcourse development, are explored in the sec-ond course. Finally, the third course focuseson clinical nursing instruction, includingdetermination of clinical learning activities,methods of clinical instruction, and methodsfor evaluating clinical performance.Opportunities for prac-tical application in both the classroom and clinical educa-tion settings are included. For example, students mightcomplete a formal classroom presentation or instructundergraduates during a clinical rotation.

For more information on these courses, please contactLynn Taylor at Montana State University-Bozeman Collegeof Nursing ([email protected] or 994-3500) or visit theMSU website at http://www.montana.edu/nursing/acade-mic/elective.htm.

References:American Association of Colleges of Nursing. (2005, June).

Nursing faculty shortage. Retrieved September 29, 2005, from:http://www.aacn.nche.edu/Media/FactSheets/facultyshortage.htm

National League for Nursing.(2002).Position statement on thepreparation of nurse educators.Nursing Education Perspectives,23(5),267-9.

Charlene A. Winters

Susan Luparell


Laurie Glover, MN,APRN, FNP

As nurses across the country respond to recentnational disasters, nursing students also demonstrateawareness and urgency to respond. Montana State Uni-versity (MSU)-Bozeman College of Nursing, Great FallsCampus, Montana Student Nurses Association (MSNA)students organized a community garage sale.The $350proceeds were donated to American Red Cross and aspecial fund of National Student Nurses Association(NSNA) called the “Hurricane Nursing School/StudentRelief Fund.”The fund is intended to reestablish nursinglabs and libraries and to help nursing students that wereaffected by the storm. Unsold items were delivered tothe Children’s Receiving Home, the Women’s TransitionCenter, the AAUW book sale, and Goodwill. MSU junior,

Nursing Students Respond to National DisasterKara Bakke said,“It is great that we were able to bothraise money for hurricane relief and help others withinour community.” Senior students Anna McDonnell andAmy Kaufman stopped by to buy clothing for TransitionCenter clients that they noted had scarce stock of jobinterview apparel.

In classroom and hallway discussions, studentsapplied concepts from acute and emergency care cours-es, legal-ethical; emergency preparedness; and epidemi-ology to the national news. One-half of the Great Fallsseniors, in their final semester of courses, responded tothe disasters by participating in disaster training withthe American Red Cross. At a time of their lives whenthey are focused on school and graduation, they madethe commitment to be prepared for local and nationaldisaster response.

MSU students Chris Borst, Heather Tackling, andKara Bakke (left to right) work the sale.

Heather Tackling, Jayme Morrisette, and KimPalmer, MSU students (left to right), 2nd row

Andrew Byrnes and Sheri Byrnes, MSNA Advisor(front) assist.

Amy Kaufman and Anna McDonnell, MSU students, sort through clothes for Transition

Center.


Convention Highlights

MNA AWARD WINNERSMembership Award . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . District #3E&GW Achievement Award . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sue NoemFriend of Nursing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Senator Carol WilliamsPolitical Nurse Leadership Award . . . . . . . . . . . . . Senator Carolyn SquiresExcellence for Advanced Practice Registered Nurse of

the Year Award . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Arlys WilliamsDistinguished Nurse of the Year Award . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tina Hedin

Keven Comer, District 3 (Bozeman Region)President accepts the MNA MembershipAward for all members of district 3 in

recognition of the most growth within aregion during 2005.

Linda Henderson, MNA President-Elect (right)presents Arlys Williams, Chinook with the MNA

2005 Award for Excellence for Advanced PracticeRegistered Nurse of the Year.

Sue Noem, Helena (right) enjoys an eveningof comraderee with fellow attendees shortly

before receiving the Economic & GeneralWelfare Achievement Award during the

1st Annual E&GW Dinner.

Tina Hedin, Billings is all smiles afterreceiving the MNA 2005 Distinguished

Nurse of the Year Award.

Senator Carol Williams, Missoula speaksto attendees of the 2005 MNA Awards

Luncheon after receiving the Friend ofNursing Award.

Carolyn Squires, Missoula receives the PoliticalNurse Leadership Award during the MNA 2005

Awards Luncheon in Helena.



Color Guard prepares to present the colors during opening ceremonies of the House of Delegates. Plenary sessions, new to the nurses convention this year

were filled to capacity.

Todd Damrow, Montana State Epidemiologistspeaks to the crowd during one of the

plenary sessions.

Faithful convention attendees (left to right) MaryMunger, Milly Gutkoski and Lynn Hebert enjoy amoment to chat while taking a break from the

House of Delegates action.Thank you Mary Thomas, RN, OCN from

the Cancer Treatment Center of St.Peter’s Hospital in Helena for singing an

amazing rendition of the NationalAnthem during opening ceremonies.



MNA Executive Director, Eve Franklin speaks to the House of Delegates.

Kim Ashmore, Montana Student Nurses Association addresses the House of Delegates during opening ceremonies.

Pat Wise (left) and Jan Kiely greet attendees as they arrive.

A bustling Exhibit Hall has become a familiar sight to convention attendees.


2005 Convention Facts

Number of Registrants: 204Number of RNs: 67

APRNs: 68Students: 60

Retired RNs: 9Number of Expert Speakers: 44

84 participants completed general evaluation formswith 100% positively responding that the conference

supported professional growth.

Total Contact Hours Awarded: 1,567.5Total Rx Credits Awarded: 274.75

Cost of Food:Coffee & Tea for three days: $716.50

Break snacks and beverages: $2,147.75Awards Luncheon for 130: $2,167.45Breakfast Buffet for 120: $1,116.18

Sack Lunches for 80: $931.32


During the MNA convention this year, the Economic& General Welfare business meeting was held in theevening. Following the meeting was the First AnnualMontana E&GW Awards Dinner. Both events were wellattended. Our very special and distinguished speakerwas Mary Munger RN. Mary is a pioneer of collectivebargaining for nurses in Montana. She has spent count-less hours working for the nurse’s right to organize col-lectively. She is a great storyteller and is quite soft spo-ken, the audience was fully engaged, you could haveheard a pin drop!

We had many award winners; some were more “fun”awards, some more serious. Sue Noem of Helena wasawarded the year’s highest honor, the “Montana Nurses’Association Economic & General Welfare AchievementAward”. Sue is a registered nurse at St.Peters Hospital inHelena and has been recognized for her excellence inleadership.

Another very special guest ??? Franklin and her “cho-rus” entertained the group with union songs completewith special original “nurse” lyrics. It was a nice relaxedgathering of union and non-union nurses, friends and


2005 Montana E&GW Awards Dinner

Honored guest speaker and MNAs most famousmember Mary Munger is introduced by Eve

Franklin, MNA Executive Director.

colleagues coming together to celebrate the “Nurse’sRight to Organize Collectively in Montana.” Please joinus next year for the Second Annual E&GW Awards Din-ner in Billings during the 2006 MNA Convention.

Multi-talented Laurie Franklin (far left) leads the E&GWChorus Line in a rousing rendition of the song “Can’t Scare

Me I’m Sticking to the Union.”


MNA Resolution Number 2Untitled

Submitted by Sherri Maloney

WHEREAS, MNA is the united voice for nursesin Montana and should exemplify and heave inplace the necessary tools to ensure best employ-ment practices, and

WHEREAS,MNA staff needs to see who has thepower—it’s the membership at large, and

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the MNABoard of Directors be charged to examine MNAspersonnel policies and ensure that they representthe epitome of employer/employee relationships,and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, Personnel Com-mittee must be reactivated or reestablished andensure that it is balanced with pro-employee rep-resentatives and managers, and

BE IT STILL FURTHER RESOLVED, requeststhat this review of policies be done and a reportwill be brought back to the House at the nextmeeting.

MNA Resolution Number 1

Early Payoff of the MNA Building Mortgage

Submitted by the MNA Board of Directors

WHEREAS the Montana Nurses’Association purchased residential and commercial property in 1989 locat-ed at 104 Broadway in Helena and

WHEREAS the property has housed MNA offices rent free since 1990 andWHEREAS income from the property has also paid for building maintenance,MNA employees’parking,and

portions of annual audit costs andWHEREAS the building is listed on the National Register of Historic Sites; andWHEREAS the real estate market in Helena is competitive at this time; andWHEREAS the MNA Property Management Committee/Building Task Force has consulted with MNAs CPA

and real estate consultant and, based on their advise, has recommended early payoff of the mortgage stillowing on the building, which recommendation has been approved by the MNA Board of Directors; and

WHEREAS MNA would realize a tax benefit in the form of no capital gains tax when this payoff occurs andthe property remains unsold for one year; and

WHEREAS there has been discussion with no decision as yet about MNAs continuing to be a landlord tocommercial and residential properties after the building is sold;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the 2005 House of Delegates urge the MNA Board of Directors andthe Executive Director to move forward with payoff of the building mortgage as soon as possible; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Association then consider utilizing a 501c3 foundation to invest anyprofit from the sale of the building at such time as that occurs.


93rd ANNUAL CONVENTION SPONSORS

MNA gratefully acknowledges the financial contribu-tions of the following associations and businesses.

Their generous support of professional nursingmakes our 93rd Annual Convention a success.

AARPAllegra Print & Imaging

Allegiance Health Benefits ManagementArthur L. Davis Publishing Agency, Inc.

Benefis HealthcareBern & Pugh Inc.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of MontanaCarroll College, Department of Nursing

Davis Business MachinesDeaconess Billings Clinic

Flathead Valley Community CollegeGreat Falls Clinic

Junkermier Clark Campanella StevensMBNA America

Miles Community College, Division of Nursing & Allied Health

MHA-An Association of Health Care ProvidersMNA Council on Advanced Practice

MNA District #4MNA Local Unit #13 - St. Peter’s HospitalMontana Area Health Education Center

Montana Beer & Wine WholesalersMontana International, a member of Payne

Financial Group, Inc.Montana Medical Association

Montana Primary Care AssociationMSU Alumni Association

MSU-Bozeman College of NursingMSU Northern, Department of NursingMSU-Great Falls College of Technology

Montana Tech Nursing ProgramMountain Pacific Quality Health Foundation

New West Health ServicesNorthern Montana HospitalDr. Stephen G & Kim Powell

Salish Kootenai College, Department of NursingSaint Patrick Hospital & Health Sciences Center

Saint Peter’s HospitalSaint Vincent Healthcare

U of M College of Technology MissoulaValley Bank of Helena

2005 CONVENTIONEXHIBITORS

Montana Nurses’Association wishes to thank allexhibitors for being a part of the 2005 Convention.

By participating, these organizations show their support of Montana nurses.

AARP of MontanaAstraZeneca

Auxiliary of Gideons InternationalBenefis Healthcare

Bozeman Deaconess HospitalChildren’s Special Health Services

CHIPDeaconess Billings ClinicForest Pharmaceuticals

GenentechGlaxoSmithKline

Gonzaga University:Dept. of NursingMedicare Rx Access Network of MT

MERCKMiles Community College

MosbyMt State Prison Infirmary

MSU College of Nursing-MissoulaMSU Northern:College of Nursing

MT Environmental Information CenterMT Mental Health Association

NAMINorthwest Lions Eye Bank

NovartisNurse First Program

Planned Parenthood of MontanaSt. James Healthcare

Sanofi-Aventis/Proctor & GambleSchering-Plough

Susan G Komen Breast CancerFoundation

US Army Healthcare

Greetings fellow APRNsThank you to all who attended the Montana Nurses’Association convention and the Council for Advanced Prac-

tice (CAP) dinner October 7th in Helena. For those who were there it was clear that APRNs are a powerful, valuableand integral part of the solution to the problem of access to health care facing our state, and indeed the wholenation.As the incoming chairperson for the CAP,I am deeply grateful to you for the work that you do,and I am happyto serve such a dynamic and competent group.

We are amazing. As of the last tally that I have, there are 573 of us working in Montana. If we assume each of usis seeing 12 patients a day, 300 days a year, that means we do at least 2 MILLION visits a year.That’s a lot of healthcare.A lot of high quality, competent care and often delivered to the most medically needy groups.

As we learned in Helena, there are forces out there that want to shut us down.We can’t let that happen. To bestrong, we have to be united and have a voice.That voice is the Montana Nurses’Association. If you are not a mem-ber, you need to be. Now. Your MNA membership helps make us strong, helps us to be heard, helps us to be a partof the solution to the health care access crisis.

Join now.Your freedom to practice today is in large part due to efforts, money and lobbying from the MNA. Let’skeep it going, keep it growing. Join MNA! If you are already aboard, thank you!

Paul Coats, RN, FNPCouncil on Advanced Practice Chair

Membership dues in the Montana Nurses’Association include the state dues, an assessment paid to the American Nurses’Asso-ciation and local District Nurses Association. Since the local districts’ dues rates vary, the membership cost varies slightly fromarea to area within the state of Montana.

FULL DUES CATEGORY

This category is for registered nurses that are employed. MONTHLY AUTOMATICYou can pay your dues annually, by electronic funds FULL ANNUAL WITHDRAWAL FROMtransfer, or payroll deduction (when available). PAYMENT CHECKING

Bozeman 364.00 30.83Kalispell/Libby/Polson 362.00 30.67Missoula/Butte 359.50 30.46Billings/Forsyth/Glendive/Miles City/Sidney 358.50 30.38Helena/Great Falls/Havre 357.00 30.25

Fill out your MNA membership application now—see page 18 or go online at www.mtnurses.org

Advanced Practice Registered Nurse

The MNA Council onAdvanced Practice

sponsored nationallyknown Margaret

Fitzgerald to speak thisyear.

Margaret Fitzgerald speaks to a capacity crowdduring the Council on Advanced Practice Annual

Dinner and Meeting.

Dinner attendees listen intently giving Margaretrave reviews with requests for her to return in

the future.


Susan Luparell, PhD, APRN, BCCharlene A. Winters, DNSc, ARPN, BC

With the increasing number of nursing programs inMontana, if you don’t already work with nursing stu-dents, there is a strong likelihood you will in the nearfuture. Often staff nurses tell us they are not sure whattheir role is with students working on their units. Thepurpose of this article is to provide some backgroundregarding factors that influence students’clinical courseactivities.

Each clinical course has a specific set of objectives.Early in the student’s career, these objectives are morenarrow in scope. It is the role of the clinical instructorto assure that the clinical activities are congruent withthe clinical course objectives. Nurses often ask us whystudents are not starting IVs or administering medica-tions or changing dressings during their clinical rota-tions.This is typically because 1) students have not yetlearned about those aspects of care,or 2) the course hasother activities as its focus. For example, one coursemay focus solely on acquisition of assessment skills. Inthis type of course, students might perform only patientassessments, as opposed to providing total patient care.As they become more proficient in assessment andmove into higher level courses, additional role compo-nents are added to their clinical experiences.Typically,the more novice a student is, the more limitations willexist in the care provided.

More tubes and higher patient acuity does not nec-essarily mean more learning for the student. It istempting to think a student should be assigned to carefor the most complicated patient on your unit. Oftennurses will ask us why no student is taking care of Mr.X, as he would be a great learning experience.The truthis, the most complicated patients do not always providethe best learning experiences, especially if the studentis fairly novice. For these students, lots of tubes, dress-ings, and patient issues may prove to be overwhelmingand may actually impair learning.

Nursing instructors will typically assign students towork with patients who will yield the best results,depending on the course and what the student needs toachieve. For example, an instructor might assign apatient who has NO tubes or dressings, especially if heor she wants the student to focus on interpersonal com-munication or understanding the patient’s diseaseprocess without the distraction of too many tasks tocomplete.

Summary. Working with nursing students can beboth fun and challenging. Student learning is maxi-mized when all those involved in the clinical experi-ence have similar understanding of the desired out-comes. If you are interested in learning more aboutteaching and learning in nursing, check out the nursingeducation courses offered through MSU-Bozeman Col-lege of Nursing at http://www.montana.edu/nursing/academic/elective.htm.


What Nurses Need to Know aboutStudents’ Clinical Activities

Student Corner

Reprinted with permission of the Great Falls Tribune

Sonja Lee, Tribune Staff Writer

University of Great Falls (UGF) freshman BryanBosch is glad he won’t have to make the trek to an off-campus clinic next time he gets a cold. UGF and theMontana State University (MSU) Bozeman College ofNursing have joined together to open a student healthcenter on the Great Falls campus.

In September, UGF invited students and staff tocheck out the new office on the upper level of the UGFStudent Center. “This is a really neat partnership,” saidDeanna Babb,a family nurse practitioner who will workat the center. “I’m looking forward to caring for thispopulation.”

UGF students, faculty and staff can visit the centerfor limited primary care one day a week at first. Healthcenter staff will offer care including diagnostic proce-dures, treatment of common illnesses, preventive care,minor injury treatment and immunizations.“You don’twant to walk all the way across town just for a cold,”said Bosch, who is also a UGF wrestler. “And a lot offreshmen don’t have cars.” Bosch said he will takeadvantage of the new facility, which is tucked in a cor-ner of the Student Center but still offers all the comfortsof a walk-in clinic.

Senior Inga Davis also said the facility is a welcomeaddition to campus.“I wish it had been here the entiretime,” said Davis, who is finishing up work in sociologyand secondary education. MSU nursing staff from theprogram, which has a Great Falls campus, will work atthe clinic.The faculty includes advanced practice regis-tered nurse practitioners who are able to give prescrip-tions.

Babb said she is looking forward to working with stu-dents. She said there will be great opportunities tofocus on preventive medicine and to promote healthylifestyles. The partnership also is a good chance forBabb and others to enhance their nursing skills.“This isan opportunity for nurses to practice what they areteaching,”said Susan Raph,campus director for the MSUBozeman College of Nursing.

The Great Falls Clinic, Sisters of Providence andSacred Heart Medical Center in Spokane donated equip-ment for the facility. Cathy Day, UGF vice president ofenrollment and student services, said UGF hasn’toffered health services since the early 80s.With a grow-ing student population on campus, it is needed. UGF isworking with a 14 percent increase in its freshmenclass this fall. Students, faculty and staff can pay $80 asemester to use the center or opt to pay $35 per visit.Since the facility is opening about a month into the aca-demic year, the semester fee for fall is $60. Hours of ser-vice at the health center are Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to 3p.m. during the academic semester. For more informa-tion contact UGF Student Services at 791-5208.

“We’re starting out one day a week,” Day said. “Wewill expand those hours as the need dictates.”

Reach Tribune Staff Writer Sonja Lee [email protected], or at (406) 791-1471or (800) 438-6600.

Originally published September 28, 2005

University of Great Falls and Montana State UniversityCombine to Open Campus Clinic


COUNCIL ON CONTINUING EDUCATION—APPROVER UNIT

Bonnie Hash, Bozeman—Continuing education in my fieldof work has varied over the yearsbecause of the different parts ofnursing I’ve worked in, and con-tinue to change. Some could bespecialties but to me I’ve chosento cover many areas so anyone’sneed can be met by helping themget to the right doctor or healthagency. CEs keep your brainactive and you healthier! I hope they do the same forme. Please let me help you get quality continuing edu-cation programs here in Montana.

COUNCIL ON CONTINUINGEDUCATION—APPROVERUNIT

Mary Clair McGuire, Havre—I am interested in increasing thevisibility and understanding ofnurse practitioners. This shouldbegin with the promotion andeducation of nurses.

COUNCIL ON CONTINUING EDUCATION—APPROVER UNIT

Susan Porrovechio, Bigfork—As an active member of my pro-fessional nursing organization,since a student at STSU, I am sograteful for the mentoring I havereceived for these pas 34 years asa nurse. It would be a wonderfulopportunity to give back and alsoto grow in my profession throughservice to MNA. Nursing contin-ues to be one of my life’s bless-ings—I have had no regrets.

COUNCIL ON CONTINUING EDUCATION—PROVIDER UNIT

Gwyn Palchak, Kalispell-Edu-cation is essential to improvepatient care for all nurses. Ibelieve that MNA must continueto be a strong provider of educa-tion, at both the state and locallevels, and with my experience asa reviewer I can provide criticalprocess improvement.

COUNCIL ON CONTINUING EDUCATION—PROVIDER UNIT

Lynn O’Malley, Great Falls—Ifelected to serve on the Continu-ing Education Provider Unit, I willwork with other committeemembers to bring current andpertinent activities, programs andofferings for all nurses in multiplesettings throughout Montana. Asan advocate of rural health nurs-ing, distance learning and qualitylearning, I believe that learning should be pertinent toall Montana nurses.

COUNCIL ON CONTINUINGEDUCATION—PROVIDERUNIT

Jenifer Sheehy, Helena—Nostatement received

COUNCIL ON PRACTICE &GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS

Milly Gutkoski, Bozeman—Asa retired nurse I have the time toparticipate and attend meetingsas needed. Since retiring I havecontinued to be active in MNAand several state level healthcommittees. Have served on thiscouncil and would like to contin-ue.


Glenda Nielsen, Missoula—No statement received


Kim Powell, Missoula—Partic-ipation in both state and nationalnursing practice regulation is vitalin order to fully represent theneeds of nurses and patients. Myexperience on the Board of Nurs-ing and with the legislativeprocess has impressed upon methe need to be present and activein discussions that affect qualitynursing care.

ECONOMIC & GENERAL WELFARE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Michelle Chavez, Billings—Irecently have become moreinvolved in my local unit and havetruly come to realize the power ofa unified voice. I also believe inthe mission of MNA and feel Iwould represent the E&GW Com-mittee in a positive and commit-ted image towards excellence inpractice.


Tina Hedin, Billings—Ibelieve in the voice of nurses.Nurses are a strong formidablepower that can accomplish any-thing as a group. I believe in andpromote the use of that voice.


Rebecca Schneider, Kalispell—In my role as an occupationalhealth nurse I have special inter-est in the health and safety ofnurses. Nurses are at high risk formusculoskeletal injuries andother injuries. Patient lifting andpositioning are especially danger-ous. Nurses are exposed to haz-ardous drugs, radiation, infectiousorganisms, and violence.There areequipment, tools, and training which protect nursesfrom harm. I hope to promote safer work environmentsfor nurses. My range of experience in acute care, homecare, correctional care, and occupational health allowsme to represent a broad spectrum of nurses in Montana.


Paul Wann, Butte—I look for-ward to serving the members ofMNA and continuing to be anactive participant in the profes-sion of nursing. I was President ofthe Montana Tech Student NursesAssociation in 2003. I was a Mon-tana delegate at the National Stu-dent Nurses Association conven-tion in Phoenix, Arizona also in2003. In 2004-2005 I served as theMontana Student Nurses Association Secretary.This yearI served as a District 2 delegate at MNA convention inHelena. I believe that it is of great importance to beactive in protecting and sculpting the profession ofnursing. I am honored and proud to serve the MNAmembers of the great state of Montana.

Montana Nurses’ Association members willreceive a ballot in the mail. Please exercise yourmember rights by voting.

CANDIDATES LISTED IN THE ORDER, AS THEYWILL APPEAR ON THE BALLOT.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS–PRESIDENT ELECT

Tina Hedin, Billings—I believein the voice of nurses. Nurses area strong formidable power thatcan accomplish anything as agroup. I believe in and promotethe use of that voice.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS—MEMBER AT LARGE

Brenda Donaldson, Helena—Nursing is not a stagnant profes-sion. As a professional organiza-tion of nurses we must constantlyevaluate and change to meet theneeds of those we serve. I wouldbe honored to represent the mem-bership of the Montana Nurses’Association as a member of theBoard of Directors.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS—MEMBER AT LARGERebecca Schneider, Kalispell—

In my role as an occupationalhealth nurse I have special inter-est in the health and safety ofnurses. Nurses are at high risk formusculoskeletal injuries and otherinjuries. Patient lifting and posi-tioning are especially dangerous.Nurses are exposed to hazardousdrugs, radiation, infectious organ-isms, and violence. There areequipment, tools, and training which protect nursesfrom harm. I hope to promote safer work environmentsfor nurses. My range of experience in acute care, homecare, correctional care, and occupational health allowsme to represent a broad spectrum of nurses in Montana.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS—MEMBER AT LARGEMae Rittal, Sidney—As a staff

nurse working in a rural 25-bedhospital in Eastern Montana thathas recently gained Critical Accessstatus; I believe that I can con-tribute a differing point of viewfor our state.Staff nurses are at thebedside providing hands on carefor patients, improving safety andoutcomes.ANA and MNA need tocontinue advocating for eachpatient the right to skilled educated licensed profes-sional health care givers.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS—COUNCIL ON CONTINUING EDUCATION POSITION

Maxine Ferguson, Helena—My long history with MNA andcontinuing education for nurseswill help to ensure that CE is avail-able at the district, local unit, andstate levels. If MNA is not providingthe CE you want or need, we’ll tryto remedy that! The number ofapproved providers of continuingnursing education in Montana con-tinues to grow, thanks to thedemand for quality continuing education.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS—COUNCIL ON ADVANCED PRACTICE

Mary Clair McGuire, Havre–Iam interested in increasing thevisibility and understanding ofnurse practitioners. This shouldbegin with the promotion andeducation of nurses.

Candidate Profiles


NOMINATIONS COMMITTEEBecky Dickman, Kalispell—I

have been in nursing for 30 years.I received my BSN from MontanaState University where I have alsotaken graduate education and myMasters in Nursing Educationfrom University of Wyoming. Ihave a wide range of nursingexperience including Obstetrics,NICU, Long term Care, and Indus-trial Nursing. Currently I am teaching for Flathead ValleyCommunity College in Kalispell.

NOMINATIONS COMMITTEETeresa Henry, Missoula—I am

committed to MNA and I knownurses across the state as a resultof teaching and policy work. I willseek out and encourage RNs toconsider elected leadership inMNA.

NOMINATIONS COMMITTEESue Honsky, Missoula—It is

important for the Association tohave a choice.As a member of theNominations Committee I will becommitted to fill the ballot withqualified candidates. I will work toprovide a ballot that is representa-tive of geography, employment,and philosophies of nursing.

NOMINATIONS COMMITTEEPaul Wann, Butte—I look for-

ward to serving the members ofMNA and continuing to be anactive participant in the profes-sion of nursing. I was President ofthe Montana Tech Student NursesAssociation in 2003. I was a Mon-tana delegate at the National Stu-dent Nurses Association conven-tion in Phoenix, Arizona also in2003. In 2004-2005 I served as the Montana StudentNurses Association Secretary.This year I served as a Dis-trict 2 delegate at MNA convention in Helena. I believethat it is of great importance to be active in protectingand sculpting the profession of nursing. I am honoredand proud to serve the MNA members of the great stateof Montana.

ANA DELEGATELori Chovanak, Helena—I

would be honored if elected to anANA delegate seat. My involve-ment in MNA has been education-al and fulfilling to my career as anurse. I remain committed tolearning and actively participatingin my responsibilities in MNA.Please consider voting for myinvolvement at the National level as a delegate to ANA.

ANA DELEGATEBrenda Donaldson, Helena—

Nursing is not a stagnant profes-sion. As a professional organiza-tion of nurses we must constantlyevaluate and change to meet theneeds of those we serve. I wouldbe honored to represent themembership of the MontanaNurses’Association as an ANA Del-egate.

ANA DELEGATEAmy Hauschild, Missoula—I

have served as an ANA and UANdelegate for the last several years.I promise to continue to bringforth the thoughts and feelings ofthe Montana delegation to theNational level. I will not hesitateto publicly make a stand or makethe wishes of my constituencyknown, even if doing so is uncomfortable. It will be an

honor and privilege to representthe nurses of Montana at the Unit-ed American Nurses NationalLabor Assembly and The Ameri-can Nurses Association House ofDelegates.

ANA DELEGATELinda Henderson, Missoula—

As the incoming President ofMNA, I would welcome theopportunity to serve our mem-bership at the national level as anANA delegate. I believe that mypast experience with the associa-tion and legislative activitieswould allow me to actively repre-sent MNA in a positive manner atConstituent Assembly.

ANA DELEGATETeresa Henry, Missoula—I am

committed to MNA and I knownurses across the state as a resultof teaching and policy work. I amalso committed to continuing toserve as an ANA delegate.

ANA DELEGATEGwyn Palchak, Bigfork—As

an ANA delegate the last twoyears I was able to promote theconcerns of Montana nurses through networking, criti-cal analysis and synthesis of current professional issues.Being a member of the Finance and Continuing Educa-tion Provider Unit I continue tobe aware of the issues and needsof Montana nurses and would liketo use this knowledge to promoteour needs at the national level.

ANA DELEGATESusan Porrovechio, Bigfork—

As an active member of my pro-fessional nursing organization,since a student at STSU, I am sograteful for the mentoring I have received for these pas34 years as a nurse. It would be a wonderful opportuni-ty to give back and also to grow in my professionthrough service to MNA.Nursing continues to be one ofmy life’s blessings—I have had noregrets.

ANA DELEGATEBarb Prescott, Bozeman—

Montana nurses need to support astrong practice act as well asmaintain a watchful eye on legis-lation and policies that affect thedelivery of healthcare in Montanaand nationally. I currently sit asthe MNA Board of Directors representative to the Coun-cil on Government & Practice Affairs and work to pro-mote this pilosophy working for Montana nurses andcitizens. It would be an honor to also represent MNA ona national level as an ANA Dele-gate.

ANA DELEGATEMae Rittal, Sidney—As a staff

nurse working in a rural 25 bedhospital in Eastern Montana thathas recently gained CriticalAccess status; I believe that I cancontribute a differing point ofview for our state. Staff nurses areat the bedside providing hands on care for patients,improving safety and outcomes.ANA and MNA need tocontinue advocating for each patient the right to skillededucated licensed professional health care givers.

ANA DELEGATEKate Steenberg, Missoula—I

have served as a national delegatefor the last 6 years. The relation-ships I have developed at thatlevel have been very helpful toMontana’s nurses, and I will con-tinue to build on them.

ANA DELEGATEPaul Wann, Butte—I look for-

ward to serving the members ofMNA and continuing to be anactive participant in the professionof nursing. I was President of theMontana Tech Student Nurses Asso-ciation in 2003. I was a Montanadelegate at the National StudentNurses Association convention inPhoenix, Arizona also in 2003. In2004-2005 I served as the MontanaStudent Nurses Association Secre-tary.This year I served as a District 2 delegate at MNA con-vention in Helena. I believe that it is of great importanceto be active in protecting and sculpting the profession ofnursing. I am honored and proud to serve the MNA mem-bers of the great state of Montana.

UAN DELEGATEVicky Rae Byrd, East Helena—

It would be a privilege to representour local unit and state of Montanaat the national level regarding col-lective bargaining.Being a UAN del-egate would be a great opportunityto bring back valuable informationfor local unit use.

UAN DELEGATEMaria Gurreri, Missoula—I

believe we are in a critical time inour profession.There is a nursingshortage throughout the U.S. andMontana is not excluded in thisshortage.We need to have strongadvocates for nursing who canrepresent Montana in its highestcapacity. The critical decisionsmade on the national level affectall RNs here in Montana. If electedas a UAN delegate I will advocate for Montana nurseswith full commitment and passion.

UAN DELEGATESue Noem, Helena—I would

find this appointment a privilegeto serve as a UAN delegate. Ibelieve in the collective bargain-ing system and would like to fur-ther my involvement and educa-tion in how UAN supports nursesin the work place.Thank you.

Candidate Profiles


For about a dollar a day join MNA—your professional voice fornurses! (50% discount on dues for new graduates, retirees, and

full-time students)

For more information on dues go to www.mtnurses.org or call MNA @ 406-442-6710.

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employed� Totally disabled

Please Note:$5.42 of the CMA member dues is for sub-scription to The American Nurse. $16 is forsubscription to the American Journal ofNursing. Various amounts are for subscrip-tions to CMA/DNA newsletters. Please checkwith your CMA office for exact amount.

State nurses association dues are notdeductible as charitable contributions for taxpurposes, but may be deductible as a businessexpense. However, that percentage of duesused for lobbying by the CMA is notdeductible as a business expense. Pleasecheck with your CMA for the correct amount.

TO BE COMPLETED BY CMA:

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Choice of Payment (please check)� E-Pay (Monthly Electronic Payment)

This is to authorize monthly electronic pay-ments to American Nurses Association, Inc.(ANA). By signing on the line, I authorize myConstituent Member Association (CMA/ANA )to withdraw 1/12 of my annual dues and anyadditional service fees from my account.

� Checking: Please enclose a check for thefirst month’s payment; the account designated by the enclosed check will be drafted on or after the 15th of each month.

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� Automated Annual Credit Card Payment This is to authorize annual credit card pay-ments to American Nurses Association, Inc.(ANA). By signing on the line, I authorizeCMA/ANA to charge the credit card listed inthe credit card information section for theannual dues on the 1st day of the monthwhen the annual renewal is due.

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� Payroll DeductionThis payment plan is available only wherethere is an agreement between your employ-er and the association to make such deduc-tion.

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Please mail your completed application withpayment to your STATE NURSES ASSOCIATIONor to:

Montana Nurses’ Association104 Broadway, Suite G2

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* By signing the Monthly Electronic DeductionAuthorization, or the Automatic Annual Credit CardPayment Authorization, you are authorizing ANAto change the amount by giving the above-signedthirty (30) days written notice. Abovesigned maycancel this authorization upon receipt by ANA ofwritten notification of termination twenty (20) daysprior to deduction date designated above. Mem-bership will continue unless this notification isreceived. ANA will charge a $5 fee for any returneddrafts or chargebacks.

DATE ________________________________

__________________________________________________ ________________________________ ________________________Last Name/First Name/Middle Initial Home Phone Number Social Security Number

__________________________________________________ ________________________________ ________________________Credentials Work Phone Number Basic School of Nursing

__________________________________________________ ________________________________ ________________________Preferred Contact: Home _____ Work_____ Fax Number Graduation (Month/Year)

__________________________________________________ ________________________________ ________________________Home Address Date of Birth RN License Number/State

__________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________Home Address E-mail

__________________________________________________ _____ UAN Member? _____ Not a Member of Collective Bargaining UnitCity/State/Zip

__________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________Employer Name Member of Collective Bargaining Unit other than UAN? (Please specify)

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Employer Address

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Employer City/State/Zip Code

CREDIT CARD INFORMATION

__________________________________________Bank Card Number and Expiration Date

__________________________________________Authorization Signature

__________________________________________Printed Name

Amount: $__________________________________

Employer Code _________________________

Approved By _____________ Date _________

$ ____________________________________AMOUNT ENCLOSED CHECK #

Sponsor, if applicable ____________________

SNA membership # ______________________

M E M B E R S H I P A P P L I C A T I O N

MNA Activities

DISTRICT CONTACTSDistrict 1Cindy BumgardnerHome—(406) 251-3764Work—(406) 728-4100

District 2Joanne GreenHome—(406) 495-9382Work—(406) 723-5816

District 3Keven ComerHome—(406) 587-4989Work—(406) 582-8957

District 4Sue NoemHome—(406) 227-7004Work—(406) 444-2150

District 5Tina HedinHome—(406) 656-9632Work—(406) 657-4150

District 6Pam WindmuellerHome—(406) 771-7453Work—(406) 455-5375

District 7Shawn ShanahanHome—(406) 755-5115Work—(406) 752-8282

District 8Vacant

Cindy Bumgardner

Keven Comer

Tina Hedin

Pam Windmueller

Shawn Shanahan

Joanne Green

Sue Noem


Barb Prescott RNC, FNP, MA, ND

The aging of America is onthe front burner for many news-casters, politicians, and policymakers as they look to thefuture. We hear about the com-ing deficits in Social Security andworry about who will pay for allthe health care that seniors con-sume. Myths about aging colorour perceptions of the presentand the future. As nurses, it isimportant for us to look realisti-cally to the future and developprograms of prevention and health promotion while dis-proving the myths that pervade our society regarding agingand the elderly.

There are three dominate myths about aging that arethought of as reality in American society. These mythsinclude:1. sickness is a consequence of aging and thus theelderly become a burden on society; 2. senior citizens con-tribute little to society; and 3. the majority of seniors aresenile or demented.

Today seniors are the fastest growing segment of oursociety.Most live independently and consider their generalhealth as being good while less than 10% describe theirhealth as poor.The majority of American seniors participatein activities outside the home.They comprise the largestpool of volunteers in the world.Many continue to work forwages—consider our congressmen and statesmen. Morethan a third provide financial assistance to others and con-tinue to support society through taxes. Less than 10% ofAmerican seniors over the age of 65 have Alzheimer’s ordementia and live in health care facilities.

When looking at the demographics of American seniors,twice as many women outlive men to the age of 80.Thereare many reasons for this situation. Looking at lifestylechoices, more men smoke more and drink more alcohol.They also are employed in more hazardous jobs exposingthem to trauma and carcinogens.Women have the protec-tive effects of estrogen that reduces the incidence of heartattacks and stroke at an early age.As a result, many seniorwomen are widowed and living alone while more seniormen live with a partner who is their care provider.Ameri-can seniors are survivors.Many have managed to minimize

health related problems. It seems that the older a personlives, the tougher they seem to be, thus increasing theirchances of living even longer.

Nurses can make a positive impact on health care in thefuture.We have the opportunity to identify areas for inter-vention that can improve senior’s quality of life and preventphysical and cognitive changes that adversely affect healthand thereby lessoning the health care burden.By taking thetime to perform a geriatric assessment, nurses can focuscare and lifestyle strategies to promote optimal health.Withthe aging of America, it will become increasingly importantthat nurses understand and become involved with thisgrowing segment of our population.

The “Geriatric Giants,” is a term suggested by BernardIsaacs to refer to primary geriatric chronic disabilities.Thesedisabilities impact the physical, psychosocial, mental, andspiritual domains of personhood.Though often perceivedas an unavoidable consequence of aging, they can, in fact,be improved.These “Giants” include:

• Cognitive impairment• Incontinence• Postural instability and falls• Caregiver stress and burn out• Dizziness• Polypharmacy• Frailty• Elder abuseGeriatric assessment differs from conventional assess-

ment in that attention given to functional and psychosocialdomains are the primary focus. Heath promotion, and dis-ease and trauma prevention needs are assessed in light ofthe individual’s environmental situation. Essentials of thisassessment are:

• Medical history• Medication history• Living situations and social supports• Activities of daily living• Vision/hearing/mobility/bowel/bladder/diet assess-

ments• Cognitive status• Emotional statusGeriatric assessments work well when there is contin-

ued follow-up and collaboration between the senior andthe health care provider or nurse to develop strategies thatstrive toward optimal health. These assessments shouldbegin once the individual has passed the child bearingyears and continue through the autumn of their days.

Myths about Aging—or—What is the real Truth??

Barb Prescott

montana nurse october 2005 no ads - amazon web servicesenp-network.s3.amazonaws.com/montana_aprn/the...

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