January, February, March 2013 Vermont Nurse …...January, February, March 2013 Vermont Nurse...

January, February, March 2013 Vermont Nurse Connection •

current resident or

Presort StandardUS Postage

PAIDPermit #14

Princeton, MN55371

Volume 16 • Number 1 January, February, March 2013Vermont State Nurses’ Association Official Publication

Joan E. Webber-Jones

Page 5

Hear the Candidates on Issues Related to Health Care

Page 11

Inside...

Index

Who Says There Is No “I” In Nursing Teams? . . 3

In 2013..., I will . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Student News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Approved Provider Unit Update Sessions . . . . . . 5

Continuing Education Opportunities . . . . . . . . . 5

ANA/VSNA News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Report of VSNA Convention 2012 . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Membership Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Vermont Board of Nursing Seeks Comments on Position Statement . . . . . . . . 10

Legislative Update . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Membership and Publicity Committee . . . . . . . 11

Vermont Nurse Connection

Quarterly Circulation 16,500 to all Registered Nurses, LPNs, LNAs, and Student Nurses in Vermont

Meet the VSNA PresidentRace to Shape Nurses’ Future:

VSNA-Inc. PresidentCarol Hodges, MSN, RN-BC

By the time that you read this edition of the VNC, the National and State elections will be over and changes will need to be made regardless of the winners. Change is not anything new for nurses; we learned about that early on in our careers. Change is easier for everyone when they are informed and understand the basis for change. The VSNA Convention provided participants with information on policy and politics so that nurses might make informed decisions in the election. Thank you, Christine Ryan and the Convention Committee for arranging the panel discussion so that all attendees would be more knowledgeable about state legislative issues that impact healthcare decisions. It was also enlightening to have ANA Lobbyist Rose Gonzalez speak on the provisions within the Affordable Care Act which directly impact nursing.

So, who is this new president of VSNA and what goals does she have to help shape the future for Vermont Nurses? I was raised on a farm and attended schools in Danville, Vermont. I originally thought that when I grew up I would be a Physical Education Teacher. Funny thing is, I landed in the hospital with a broken

leg (ski accident) and it changed the entire course of my life. I graduated from Fanny Allen Memorial School of Nursing and practiced as a LPN for twenty plus years before returning to Vermont College’s weekend program to obtain my Associate Degree. Shortly after that I graduated from Norwich University with my BSN. I was a travel medical/surgical nurse for five years and then returned to Vermont to work in a community hospital as a Clinical Nursing Supervisor. As I wasn’t quite ready to give up direct patient care, I also worked per diem in a Cardiac Step Down Unit at a nearby tertiary care center. In 2010, I graduated from the University of Vermont with a MSN in Community Public Health. As a nurse, my career opportunities have allowed me to explore many venues: Home Health, Hospice, Primary Care, Acute Care (Pediatrics, Med/Surg, and Cardiology), Long Term Care, Military, Ophthalmology and both Academic and Continuing Education. Even though I had been a member of VSNA since I graduated from Vermont College, it was only after my return from traveling that I truly valued actively participating in our professional organization.

My goal as president is really no different from any nurse’s primary goal of improving outcomes and preserving the health and safety of our citizens. The VSNA has been the voice for Vermont Nurses since 1914. I feel that as President, I will need to work with our Executive Director and Board Members to explore how we can continue to be the voice for Vermont Nurses of the future. Vermont’s Blueprint for Health has placed our state as a leader in healthcare reform. The Vermont Blue Ribbon Commission on Nursing has supported the Institute of Medicine’s criterion that the role of nurses, at all levels needs to be maximized. The VSNA welcomes you to join in shaping the future for nurses both in Vermont and Nationally. Being a dual member costs roughly a little less than $23 a month and provides you with the most current policies and evidence based practice, as well as many other benefits. If you feel that $23 a month is outside of your budget, you might choose to be a Vermont Only member for $99 per year. I hope that you will consider joining us in the Race to Shape Nurses’ Future. To quote a colleague of mine, Carol Moore-Whitney, a Maternal Child Health Nurse: “It doesn’t matter how or why you became a nurse, but what is important, is what you do while you are here!”

Happy Holidaysfrom the

Vermont State Nurses Association

8” AdsOPEN

• Vermont Nurse Connection January, February, March 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 #2—January 23, 2013Vol. 16 #3—April 23, 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

Join our expert team of nurses, therapists, and home health aides who are committed to keeping people of all ages safe at home. BAYADA health care professionals enjoy:•Avarietyofschedulingoptions•Clinicalsupport24hours,7days•Meaningfulone-on-onecare•Trainingandcareerpathways

BAYADA Nurse Susie Ecker

With BAYADA Home Health Care…

BAYADAspecialtypracticesinclude

HomeHealthCare,Pediatrics,

Hospice, and Habilitation.

Compassion. Excellence. Reliability.

Call 800-446-8773 l www.bayada.com

“ It is my honor to walk this journey with these families.”

– Susie Ecker, RN

EOE

off ers ABA approved

Legal Nurse ConsultantCertifi cate Program

Th e Legal Nurse Consultant (LNC) Certifi cate is approved by the American Bar Association (ABA). It is designed for the experienced registered nurse interested in combining their clinical expertise with specialized legal knowledge, enabling them to serve in a variety of settings including healthcare facilities, insurance companies, law fi rms and private LNC practices. Th is program is fi nancial aid eligible.For more program schedule and program details:

www.nhti.edu/businesstraining/nursingINFORMATION SESSION

Wednesday, February 13, 2013, 6 - 7:30 pmStacey Peters, Paralegal Studies

(603) 271-6484 x4274 – [email protected]

31 College Drive, Concord, NH 03301

Z380912

• Full-time RN Inpatient Nursing – Nights

• Full-time RN Emergency Department – Nights

Visit our website at www.cadean.org for all nursing opportunities!

Tracy L. Bonney-Corson, MSN, Director of NursingCharles A. Dean Memorial Hospital and Nursing Home

P.O. Box 1129, Greenville, ME 04443207-695-5265

Join our nursing team of compassionate,

dedicated nurses.


Who Says There Is No ‘I’ In Nursing Teams?There is no “I” in team.

Author Unknown This unattributed quote is in dispute and the subject of much debate when it comes to forming teams. John Kotter, writer for Forbes magazine in his article, The Perils of Rose Colored Glasses,1 says that leaders must be willing to take off the rose-colored glasses, do away with what he likes to call “senior management happy talk,” and confront real problems head on. He goes on to say that this “happy talk” sends confusing signals, creating cynicism and a culture of fear killing trust. In other words something has gone wrong in the organization and no one is talking about the failure.

There are many “I’s” in team. Individual initiative is the hallmark of successful innovation. Certainly, everyone must collaborate in the push toward a common goal.

Each has his or her place in the process. ~ Robert Brands2

In my experience working on many nursing teams whether I was at the bottom or at the top of the team, I learned there is most definitely an “I” in team. Part of the fun and excitement of working on a team is getting to know everyone as a unique individual. Losing sight of the importance of an individual and what they bring to the team is a significant mistake when trying to build excellent, effective and efficient teams. Because nurses are faced with life and death situations knowing the level of skill, talent and experience of each nurse on the team is critical in saving lives and delivering quality care. Yet, if you ask any nurse during the course of their shift how much time they have to spend learning about and getting to know the other individuals on the team, they will probably say little to none. Shockingly, it is not uncommon

for team members who have been together for years to lose sight of the unique people they work with who have irreplaceable experiences, different points of view, knowledge, and opinions. One of the reasons this happens is because the “I” has been taken out of the TEAM.

There is an “I” in TEAM and the sooner you put it back in, the more effective your team will be. ~ Dr. Ian Brooks

Talented nurses want to be part of something they can believe in. They want to be part of a team culture that is committed to a clear vision, mission, values and ambitious goals. They want to believe that their skill and talent are important to the team’s success. They want to be able to fulfill their career needs through learning new skills, have a say in decision making, move up the career ladder, and be part of something successful. Talented nurses want to take responsibility for meeting their needs and fulfillment of their purpose on the team. They do not want to be a member of a team where their contributions are not valued and are overlooked. Talented nurses continually fight to fulfill their higher level needs and their enthusiasm is essential for the successful motivation of the team.

The most important part of putting the “I” back in team is for the manager to buy into the process and be committed to investing the appropriate time and energy. The manager is the face of the team and should take the initiative to bring the team closer together. The pressure is on managers to keep their most valued and productive people by paying attention to their career needs. Taking primary ownership of retaining key people is the manager’s first step to success. Managers must be given sufficient time and resources to ensure a successful outcome. Resources can be in the form of an adequate budget, dedicated space and sufficient time.3 Here are five key strategies for managers who want to put the “I” back in TEAM.

➢ Structure opportunities for sharing and self-disclosure.

➢ Increase understanding about cultural differences

and cultural programming (age, gender, ethnicity, race, education, work experience).

➢ Make opportunities for team members to teach each other.

➢ Promote a high level of personal responsibility.➢ Develop every avenue of communication that

respects the uniqueness of others.

There is great value in accepting that there is an ‘I’ in team. For teams to be truly successful and to be more than the sum of their parts means individuals not only working to their optimum but also working optimally together. No one wants to hear that there is no “I” in team. And yet this type of “happy talk” occurs with unfortunate regularity and indicates a profound disagreement of what a team really is. There are many definitions of teams and just as many philosophies of how to develop a team. The bottom line is that all members must respect each individual on the team for who they are and the value they bring to the common purpose. All team members should help each other and work in unison. That includes supporting individuals in achieving personal and team objectives. There are no easy answers on how to build a high-performing nursing team, but experience tells us it begins with an individual. After all what, or who, is a team? It is you, plus him, plus her, plus me. In other words, it is a collection of “I”s. Take the individual players out of a team and you have nothing.4

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 http://www.forbes.com/sites/johnkotter/2011/11/15/the-perils-of-rose-colored-glasses/

2 http://www.huffingtonpost.com/robert-f-brands/innovation-and-the-i-in-t_b_639164.html

3 http://nursing.advanceweb.com/Article/Building-Blocks-of-Teamwork.aspx

4 http://www.ianbrooks.com/useful-ideas/leads/06-02.asp

Priscilla Smith-Trudeau

In 2013… I will,Submitted by Evelyn Sikorski, CSW,CEAP

Fletcher Allen Health Care

It is an annual phenomenon—making a New Year’s Resolution—an opportunity to design and influence healthy lifestyle change. New Years is historically a time of looking back to the past, and more importantly, forward to the coming year. We reflect on the changes we want or need to make and resolve to follow through with fervent motivation. Motivation is a real form of mental energy, powered by nutrients in our bloodstream, which is the fuel we use as we exert self-control.

The first step is to get organized around exactly what needs improvement in the various areas of your health and well-being. A practical starting point may be to work with the dimensions of wellbeing to build a foundation for your change. The primary domains to promote health and wellbeing are in the areas of physical, financial, social, and career growth. For example, if you are planning to start a walking routine you may want to ask a friend at work to walk along for the social support. This way you are impacting two areas—physical (walking) and emotional (social support) domains which gives you a greater chance of successful implementation.

There are some uplifting predictions based on studies of past resolutions that may motivate you to consider selecting a few areas of wellbeing and creating a measurable action plan for the upcoming year.

• Whatever you hope to change this year—Tamethe bulge, fit in fitness, enjoy life more, get out of debt, quit drinking or smoking, eat more fruit and vegetables, you are more likely to make these improvements than someone who hasn’t thought about or made a formal resolution.

• If you make it through January with yourresolution, you have a good chance of lasting a lot longer with your resolve.

• With relatively few painless strategies and newdigital tools, you can significantly boost your odds of success.

Create an action plan to support your readiness and confidence for the change you desire. Identify the specifics of your activities noting days, times and be clear on how you will measure your change. If you can measure your change from your current baseline, you are more apt to feel success. Take small steps that are manageable—this is the best way to build your confidence and make progress toward your desired change.

Visit www.cedarhillccc.com

SEEKINGRNs, LPNs and LNAs

Call802-674-6609 or

send your resume toFax 802-674-5618

We are a continuing care community with a skilled nursing home, residential care and assisted living, as well as offering comprehensive rehabilitation services throughout our community.

49 Cedar Hill DriveWindsor, VT 05089

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 Aleks, HR Manager at 802-476-4166 or email her at [email protected]

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

BECOME A NURSE AIDE EVALUATOR

IMMEDIATE OPENINGS!Positions are available in Barre,

Bennington & Brattleboro! You decide how far you travel.

Vermont Nurse Aide Evaluator Position For Registered Nurses

Administer the examination for nurse assistant certification. This is a part time independent contractor position. Various days of the week available. Competitive

reimbursement. Generous mileage reimbursement.

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

[email protected] or fax to (877) 696-2237.

It’s a job that’s more important than you might think.

Full-Time RN

Combine a little bit of ER work, med/surg charge nurse, orthopedic specialist, hospice care, IV skills, critical thinking and computer savvy and you’re almost there. Our full-time staff nurse position will utilize your best nursing skills. Includes weekend and call rotation.

Email your resume to [email protected] or call 802-888-4651 for more details.


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.

Vermont Organization of Nurse Leaders

Marilyn Rinker Leadership Scholarshipfor Nurses in an Advanced Degree Program - $2000

Application Deadline: February 28, 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 February 28, 2013 to:

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

The Award will be announced in April 2013

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

Advanced Degree Program

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

Purpose• Toprovide scholarship support forqualified individuals toparticipate in anapproved

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

For more information or for an application form, contact: Martha Buck – VONL Advanced Degree Nurse Leadership Scholarship, (802)223-3461/ext. 111, [email protected]


General NewsResearch Round-Up

The 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.

Continuing Education OpportunitiesUpcoming Educational

Opportunities (Non-VSNA)

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

24th Annual Eastern Winter Dermatology ConferenceDate: 01/18/2013 - 01/21/2013

Location: The Stoweflake Hotel & SpaStowe, VT

JOAN E. WEBBER-JONES - SOUTH BURLINGTON —Joan E. Webber-Jones, 77, a longtime resident of South Burlington, died peacefully at the Vermont Respite House on Tuesday, Oct. 2, 2012. She was born Jan. 21, 1935, in Pennsylvania, the daughter of the late Charles and Estella Webber. She received her undergraduate degree from Moravian College and her graduate degree from Boston University. Joan was married to the late Ron Jones for 45 years. She was an avid runner, running three times a day and participating in charity 5k’s, as well as marathon relays. She was an avid skier, frequenting Smugglers Notch and Stowe at least twice weekly. She was an expert gardener, keeping a beautiful garden at her home, as well as an appreciated neighborhood garden, and was a member of the Burlington Garden Club. Joan was a very skilled quilter, displaying at the Vermont Quilt Festival this past year. She was a Boston sports fan, particularly the Celtics, Red Sox, and Tom Brady. She was a passionate

Joan E. Webber-JonesObituary

animal lover, adopting stray or shelter pets and frequently donated to the Humane Society. Joan was a proud breast cancer survivor. Joan was a beloved mentor and role model to countless nurses. She was a brilliant clinician and educator and a meticulous researcher. Her legacy includes her passion and commitment to nursing education and specialty nursing certification. She was one of the first Master’s prepared nurses in Vermont. She earned the respect of both physicians and her nurse colleagues for her devotion and dedication to patients and to colleagues. She was a well published author on a variety of nursing topics, complete with her own detailed illustrations. She will be sorely missed in the nursing community. Joan is survived by her son, Scott; sisters, Joanne, Nancy and Frances; nieces, DeAnna, Heather and Avril; and nephews, Brian, Eddie and Jeff. Visiting hours will be held on Monday, Oct. 8, 2012, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Ready Funeral & Cremation Service South Chapel, 261 Shelburne Road, Burlington. There will be no service. To send online condolences to her family please visit www.readyfuneral.com. A scholarship for neurological neurosurgical nursing certification has been created in her honor. Please send contributions to the “Joan Webber-Jones Nursing Scholarship Fund,” c/o Betsy Burns RN, Fletcher Allen Health Care, 111 Colchester Ave., Burlington, VT 05401.

SAVE THE DATENurses Day at the State House

April 18, 2013

Emergency Medicine UpdateDate: 01/27/2013 - 01/30/2013

Location: Stowe Mountain LodgeStowe, VT

22nd Annual Current Concepts &Controversies in Surgery

Date: 01/28/2013 - 01/30/2013Location: Stowe Mountain Lodge

Stowe, VT

Hospital Medicine 2013 ConferenceDate: 02/07/2013 - 02/10/2013

Location: The Stoweflake Hotel & SpaStowe, VT

18th Annual Vermont Perspectives in AnesthesiaDate: 03/06/2013 - 03/10/2013

Location: Stowe Mountain LodgeStowe, VT

Approved Provider Unit Update Sessions

Are you the contact person for your Approved Provider Unit or an activity applicant who wishes to explore becoming a Vermont Approved Provider Unit? If so, you may want to attend one of the upcoming update sessions. As many of you are now aware the ANCC 2012 Criteria is almost ready to roll out with the implementation date of January 2013!

The VSNA will be offering two Update Sessions in January. It is essential that all Approved Provider Unit Lead Nurse Planners attend one of these sessions. The forms should be ready and sent to you in the early part of January. In the past we have not posted Provider Unit Forms on the web site as we felt it was too confusing for activity applicants. Many of the names of the forms are very similar. We are now working on creating an Approved Provider Section on our web site….it most probably will be ready in late December or the first week in January.

Once all the details of the Update Sessions are confirmed, you will receive a registration form via email from the VSNA. If you are not the Lead Nurse Planner, please be sure to forward this message to them as well as respond to this email with the correct contact information for the Lead Nurse Planner. All planners and administrators are welcome to attend the Updates too.

Dates and LocationsJanuary 14, 2014 in Brattleboro, Vermont at the

Brattleboro Retreat (1000-1400)January 28, 2014 in Burlington, Vermont at Fletcher

Allen Healthcare (1300-1700)

Please contact the VSNA Office for further information. 1-800-540-9390

Looking for a job in home health anywhere in Vermont,

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

Hope you have a Wonderful Holiday Season and a Happy New Year.

Visit www.reverastjohnsbury.com

If you are seeking

employment,

please feel free to

contact us.

Join

Today!


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

Clinical ExcellenceAwards

Given by VSNA to outstanding graduating studentsJohn Percey AndrewsRussellChapman*Courtney Farrell

Adrienne GigliottiColleenGilman*Callan Janowiec

Samantha Laferriere

*NewgradswhohavechosentobeANA/VSNAmembers

2012 Honor a Nurse Awardees

Congratulations!

Pat Allen Jennifer Laurent Carolina Baldwin Nancy Lemieux Jean Coffey Amy O’Meara Judy Cohen Janet Reynolds Lynne Dapice Michelle Walker Randy Kelley Lorri Welch

Barbara King

The Vermont State Nurses’ Association 2012 Convention, “Race to Shape Nurses’ Future,” is now history. The speakers were excellent. The convention kicked off with the Campaign Forum covered elsewhere in this publication. It was great to hear the different responses to questions that related to nurses and healthcare and I, for one, changed my mind about some of the candidates I would support. Our full day started with a presentation by Aila Accad, RN, MSN (pronunciation similar to Achoo). Her presentation was dynamic and clearly touched many in the audience. She spoke about some of the causes of stress that negatively impact us personally and professionally. We often feel that we aren’t good enough, certainly a setup for stress. We have to know ourselves and know what empowers us or, conversely, brings us down. But the key message was that not only can we not be perfect, we don’t have to be. “When you follow your true path or calling, you are invigorated, rather than stressed.” She has a best-selling book available on Amazon.com: “34 Instant Stress-Busters: Quick tips to de-stress fast with no extra time or money.” You can also check her out on www.ailaspeaks.com.

Rose Gonzalez, PhD, MPS, RN, the ANA director of Government Affairs was next on the agenda. Not only did she talk about provisions of the Affordable Care Act, also known as ‘Obama-care,’ which impact nurses, she talked about the general climate in congress. The refusal to compromise has made it difficult to accomplish what we expect our legislators to accomplish. Compromise has been a keystone of the success of our democracy. She reminded us that the legislative staffers are very young (in their 20s), but that they have real influence on the way their bosses vote. We have a responsibility to educate them

about our interests and about the realities of health care. She encouraged us to be involved in the process. She also helped people to understand the importance of the ANA work on the Hill and the esteem in which ANA is held.

Both of our national speakers were dynamic and informative. We were very fortunate to have them come to Vermont. Not surprisingly they were evaluated with high marks. Convention attendees also expressed how happy they were that they both were around the whole day to interact with the convention goers.

At the last minute, when for a time we didn’t know whether any candidates were going to appear on Tuesday evening, we enlisted Susan Farrell, RN, MS, MAEd, the co-chair of the Governor’s Blue Ribbon Commission on Nursing to come and review the Commission’s Recommendations. And then. . . the candidates started to agree to come. We didn’t want to lose the opportunity to hear what she had to say so she graciously agreed to speak in lieu of Lynne Dapice who gave a very quick synopsis of what she was going to present during the noon meeting of the VSNA-In-Convention.

The afternoon brought highly rated presentations on the Medical Home by Pam Farnham, RN & Elizabeth Hallock Steckel, RN, BSN, CCM and breakout sessions centered on Social Media (Julie Jones, RN, MS); Wound Care (Jane Kimberley, RN, BC, MSN); and a panel on varying career options for nurses (Annie Moore-Cox, PhD, RN, Ruby Souhan, APRN, and Angela DeMasi, RN, CHPN).

What was missing were elections and decisions on bylaws now that ANA is restructuring and is no longer a labor organization, although individual states may decide to continue representation for collective bargaining. A special meeting will be held in late winter or early

spring to accomplish these tasks. We did take time to remember, in the Nightingale Tribute, nurses who have finished their service on earth. VSNA gave a distinguished service award to our bookkeeper Martha Stewart, who, in recent years, has served pro bono. The Foundation also announced the winners of the two scholarships and the numerous nurses honored by their colleagues.

We’ve had two wonderful years at the Lake Morey Resort in Fairlee, VT. Next year will either be in Montpelier or Burlington. 2014 is the 100 year anniversary of Vermont State Nurses’ Association. We will be polling the membership to determine the days of the week and the month for next year and then we will match the preferred times with the availability of a site.

Put on your calendar now the date of our Nurses’ Day at the Legislature in the spring, April 18, 2013.

VSNA Convention Report 2012


VSNA thanks it’s generous sponsors of Convention 2012:

Diamond Sponsor:Vermont State Nurses’ Foundation

Gold Sponsors:Arthur L. Davis Publishing Agency, Inc.

and Fletcher Allen Health Care

Silver Sponsor:Vermont Technical College

VSNA thanks it’s generous exhibitors of convention 2012:

Gideon’s International

Keene Medical

Mayo Clinic

University of Vermont Area Health Education Centers Program (AHEC)

University of Vermont Continuing Education

The US Army Healthcare

Vermont Assembly of Home Health Agencies (VAHHA)


APS Healthcare has two exciting RN opportunities for a Care Manager for the Chittenden County area and a Care Coordination Liaison in our Williston office. We are improving care coordination for Vermonters with chronic illness and helping to reduce avoidable costs of care.

The RN Care Manager develops and maintains strong, positive relationships with healthcare providers to ensure high-risk, high-cost members have open access and appropriate care. This position requires a minimum of 5 years of clinical experience. Previous experience in care/case management, quality improvement, medical record reviews, and/or disease management preferred.

The RN Care Coordination Liaison works alongside the Department of Health Access (DVHA) Director of the Vermont Chronic Care Initiative. This key role facilitates alignment between APS Clinical Practice Specialists (Care Managers) and DVHA Care Coordination (CC) field staff to assure implementation of VCCI strategic efforts and achievement of clinical and financial goals. This position requires a minimum of 3-5 years of experience in the clinical care coordination service setting, a BSN and previous experience in case management.

For immediate consideration visit our website at www.apshealthcare.com and apply to requisition 3835 for the Care Manager position and requisition 3886 for the Liaison position. APS Healthcare is an Equal Opportunity Employer and participates in the E-Verify Program.



Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Hear the Candidates on Issues Related to Health Care

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Aila Accad, RN, MSN: Are YOU Ready for the Race?

Help is Here!

Rose Gonzalez, PhD, MPS, RN: ACA-Affordable Care

Act . . .We Are In This RaceTo The Finish

Susan Farrell, RN, MS, MAEd.: Updates on the Blue Ribbon

Commission in Nursing

Beth Hallock Steckel, RN, BSN, CCM; Pam Farnham, RN: Journey to NCQA: Improving Healthcare for Your Patients

Wednesday continued

Ruth Elsa Baldwin honoring Martha Stewart with a

distinguished service award.

Ruth Elsa Baldwin (Outgoing President) receiving flowers

from Carol Hodges(Incoming President)

Lynne Dapice and Lorraine Welch—Lorraine received the Life-time Service Award and

Honor a Nurse Award.



Julie Jones presentingJudy Cohen with theHonor a Nurse Award

Ann Laramee andHollie Shaner McRae

Jane Birnn andMary Val Palumbo

If you know the names of anyof these nurses, please send

them to Lynne Dapice [email protected]

We are currently recruiting for the following positions:• Registered Nurses (Medical/Surgical) - FT & Per Diem

• LPNs (Medical/Surgical)• Health Technician (ICU)

• Health Technicians

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

2003 Governor’s Award for Performance Excellence

2002, 2003, 2004 Secretary of Veterans Affairs Quality Award Winner

2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 Secretary of Veterans Affairs Circle of Excellence

Award Winner

White RiveR Junction, veRmont

“Caring for Our Nation’s Veterans”

I’m inventing a new model of health care.I’m not just a nurse.

Apply Today: VAcareers.va.gov/nursing Follow VA Careers

Arlette, VA RN

Camp Half Moon in the Berkshires—Camp Nurse positions available. RN, LPN. Beautiful lakefront setting with heated pool. Salary, room, board and travel—families welcome. Partial summer available. Season dates: June 18th-Aug. 17th. Must enjoy working with children in a camp setting. Day Camp & Sleepover Camp, coed, ages 3 to 16.

Write to P.O. Box 188Gt. Barrington, MA 01230

888-528-0940www.camphalfmoon.com

email: [email protected]


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.

VSNA New Members:District 1

Jamie Fletcher BrillhartAmber CasterlinElissa L. Close

Celeste K Kane-StebbinsSamantha Laferriere

Jennifer A. LongJanet S. Manny

Katharine M. MurphyMonica T. Ogelby

Jason PelletierErin Elizabeth Savoy

Lisa Lopatofsky Schaffer

District 2Meghan Flood

Colleen SanfordLucille R. Turmel

District 3Robin R. Ekstrom

Debra Marie LuceyAshley L. MarshHeather McKeag

Rhonda Jane RobertsAndrew Semegram

Heidi White

Vermont Board of Nursing Seeks Comments and Recommendations on Nursing Delegation Position StatementThe Vermont Board of Nursing issues position

statements to provide guidance to nurses and the public regarding best practices in nursing care. These statements are based on national standards of nursing care, statements of nursing specialty organizations, the professional literature, and input from Vermont nurses. All of these position statements are available on the Board’s website at http://vtprofessionals.org/opr1/nurses/.

Many health care facilities and organizations that employ nurses find these statements helpful in guiding organization-specific policy and procedure.

The Practice Committee of the Board is drafting a revision of the Position Statement on “The Role of the Nurse in Delegating Nursing Interventions” (available at http://vtprofessionals.org/opr1/nurses/position_statements/

PS-Role of the Nurse in Delegating Nursing Interventions.pdf). The Committee is working to incorporate the issues, concerns, and challenges faced by Vermont nurses when delegating nursing interventions to nursing staff and unlicensed personnel in both institutional and community settings.

The Committee is seeking your comments to better understand the issues that Vermont nurses are facing when delegating nursing care. The Committee is also interested in your recommendations for revision of the current position statement (see site address above). Please send your comments to Ellen Leff, RN, at [email protected] or Vermont Board of Nursing, Office of Professional Regulation, National Life Bldg., North FL 2, Montpelier, VT 05620-3402.

Healthcare Opportunities

Correct Care Solutions (CCS) provides healthcare services to

correctional facilities nationwide and is experiencing rapid growth. We are seeking the following:

Mental Health Clinicians, Nurses (LNA, LPN, RN), Physicians, Nurse Practitioners, Physician Assistants

Full-Time/ Part-Time/ PRN- All Shifts

VT locations Include:Burlington, Swanton, Newport, St. Johnsbury, Windsor,

Springfield, and Rutland

*Applicable VT license required

Competitive Pay & Great BenefitsCheck out why we’re the industry’s best!

To apply send your resume to:[email protected]

EEO


ANA/VSNA NewsLegislative Update

“Hear the Candidates on IssuesRelated to Health Care”

Submitted by Christine Ryan, RN, MSVSNA Lobbyist

On October 16, 2012 five candidates running for political office gathered at the Lake Morey Resort in Fairlee, Vermont for an opportunity to discuss their political viewpoints and respond to questions from the Vermont nursing community.

Political candidates in attendance were:

1. Randy Brock—Republican candidate for Governor

2. Cassandra Gekas—Democratic candidate for Lt. Governor

3. Jack McMullen—Republican candidate for Attorney General

4. William Sorrell—Democratic candidate for Attorney General

5. Steve Kimbell—Representative from Governor Shumlin’s office

Senator Bernie Sanders forwarded a letter to be read to all the nurses in attendance at the Annual Convention on October 17, 2012. A copy of that letter can be found on this page.

The group of political candidates responded to a series of questions which included: health care reform, how to address the drug epidemic in our communities, improving staffing of nurses in all of Vermont’s health care settings, ensuring the safety of nurses in the workforce, providing

competitive salaries, and legislation passed in 2012 related to the nursing profession.

The political candidates were each given a brief opportunity to discuss themselves and their campaign, respond to questions from the nursing community, and then encouraged to provide a final statement speaking to Vermont nurses about what their campaign represents and what they want nurses to know about them. Here are a few brief responses;

Randy Brock, ”I believe individuals can make their own decisions related to health care.”

Cassandra Gekas, “I want to ensure nurses have a voice at the table, my door will be open, and compensation issues will be discussed.”

Jack McMullen, “I believe a solution to improve our community’s wellbeing is to better fund and invest in education pre K-12.”

William Sorrell, “I want to continue to build a cleaner and safer Vermont for all of us.”

Steve Kimbelll, “I believe health care reform is about primary care and the medical home model.”

After the political debate, all the candidates mingled with individual nurses and continued the discourse about the nursing profession and health care reform. My hope is that Vermont nurses will engage in political activities and commit themselves to informing all candidates about our profession and the important work we are a part of. Vermont nurses represent significant political power and ensuring that our voices are heard and that our presence is a part of the legislative landscape is crucial to our profession.

Christine Ryan

Letter from Bernard Sanders Dear Members of the Vermont State Nurses’ Association:

I am sorry I cannot be with you today. I wanted to take a moment to thank you for your service to our state and to tell you about some of my work as your Senator that may be of interest to you.

Throughout our lives, the people who are at our sides when we get sick are our nurses, and I have long supported legislation to support the important role of nurses. In 2008, I passed legislation to increase federal aid to expand nurse training programs. I also advocated for a $1.5 billion increase in funding for the National Health Service Corps. Under this program, nurses can receive student loan repayment if they work for two years in a designated underserved area.

I strongly believe in the importance of community health centers, which provide high-quality, low-cost care to our residents. I secured $12.5 billion in the Affordable Care Act to expand health centers across the country and deploy more doctors, nurses, dentists and other health care professionals in underserved areas. Vermont now has 47 community health center sites where more than 120,000 Vermonters get primary health care, dental care, mental health counseling and low-cost prescription drugs. Nearly one in five Vermonters now get primary care from a community health center, and these people are likely to see VSNA members as their providers.

Since 2010, I have served as chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pension’s Subcommittee on Primary Health and Aging. In that role, I have introduced multiple bills to push for increased funding for disease prevention, nutrition, and health promotion for older Americans. In addition, I introduced a comprehensive dental reform bill to expand coverage, the workforce, education, and research into dental health for all Americans. I am closely following Vermont’s efforts on becoming the first state in the nation to implement a single payer health care system.

Thank you once again for the work you do every day—helping to bring new life into the world, promoting good health, taking care of the sick and injured, and providing compassionate end-of-life care when the time comes. I admire and appreciate your service to our community.

Sincerely,BERNARD SANDERSUnited States Senator

Membership and Publicity Committee Update

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.

Stay tuned for a recruitment and retentioninnovation to be announced early 2013!!

Nursing Students DiscountIn addition, there is a wonderful incentive for nursing

students to become members. Within 24 months of graduation you can receive a one year VSNA membership for only $67!! And if you renew your second year you will also receive a 50% discount on membership!! This incentive discount will not last indefinitely so take advantage now!!

Membership OptionsIn order to give nurses some flexibility in purchasing

membership there are a number of cost effective ways to join ANA and VSNA. ANA recently clarified membership options. To review there are 3 ANA membership options:

1. ANA & State Membership (formerly Full membership): This is the “gold standard” of membership and includes membership in both ANA and your state nurse association.

2. ANA – only membership (formerly Direct membership): This is membership in ANA only. This option is available in most states, including Vermont. VSNA would miss out on any financial support in this case and you are not eligible for membership discounts to VSNA programs, for example, convention and “Nurses’ Day at the Legislature.”

3. E-Membership (formerly Individual Affiliate membership): This is ANA’s website only, virtual membership.

There is also a state only option for membership:1. VSNA Membership only: $99

As a student or a retired member it is more cost effective to join as an ANA & State Member since both groups receive deep discounts.

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: Theresa Haywood, Meredith Roberts, Isabelle Sargeant, Paulette Thabault, Carol Hodges and Lynne Dapice, ex officio, 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]

For our patients. For our staff. For our community.Be part of an inter-disciplinary care team and experience the satisfaction of caring for patients in their home. Some positions include:

■ Home Care RNs and LPNs ■ Hospice Nurse■ Nurse Case Managers ■ Triage Nurse■ Private Care Nurses ■ Intake Nurse■ Mental Health Nurse■ High Tech Nurses (Adult and Pediatric)

Explore career opportunities at VNAcares.org

Enjoy flexible schedules, competitive pay, mileage reimbursement, and special incentives for evening and weekend shifts. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, disability and life insurance; paid time off; 403(b) match and pension contributions; tuition reimbursement and training; recognition programs; referral bonuses; and opportunities for career advancement.

For questions, contact Kacie at 802 860-4447


802-828-1635

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• IntensiveCareUnit• OrleansFamilyMedicineLPNOfficeNurse• 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

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!!

January, February, March 2013 Vermont Nurse …...January, February, March 2013 Vermont Nurse...

Documents

Transcript of January, February, March 2013 Vermont Nurse …...January, February, March 2013 Vermont Nurse...