P MMEESSAGESSAGE · America Hotel and Resort, 2800 West Lincolnway, Cheyenne, WY. To make...

Let me begin by saying that I am honored to be the President of WNA and I want to thank all past presidents of WNA for their vision of creating an association with a strong voice for nursing. In particular, I want to thank Sue Howard, our immediate past president, for the leadership and mentorship that she has provided to me during my President-Elect years in preparation for these next two years.

Wow, what a great time to be a nurse. There is so much happening in our profession nationwide as well as within our State. On the national level, Tobi Lyon, WNA Executive Director, and I attended the Virtual Constituent Assembly. During this on-line 2-day meeting of the ANA Board of Directors, Constituent Member Association Presidents and Executive Directors, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) report on the Future of Nursing was among the many topics discussed. Susan B. Hassmiller, PhD, RN, FAAN opened her presentation on The Initiative on the Future of Nursing with an opening slide entitled Opportunity of Our Lifetime. Dr. Hassmiller reviewed the four key messages from the IOM report:

1. Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRN) should be able to practice to the full extent of their education and training.

a. Need to remove scope-of-practice restrictions for APRNs b. Need nurse residency programs to better manage the transitions from school to practice

2. Nurses should achieve higher levels of education and training through an improved educational system that promotes seamless academic progression.

a. More BSN trained nurses b. Improve tracks of ADN to BSN and ADN to MSN programs

3. Nurses should be full partners with physicians and others in redesigning US health care.

a. Foster leadership skills and competencies b. Nurses must see policy as something we shape

current resident or

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Vol. 23 • No. 4 December 2010, January, February 2011

The Official Publication of The Wyoming Nurses AssociationTh Offi i l P bli ti f Th W i N A i ti

Quarterly circulation approximately 8,000 to all RNs, LPNs, and Student Nurses in Wyoming.

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGEPRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Faith M. Jones, MSN, RN, NEA-BC

4. Effective workforce planning and policy-making require better data collection and an information infrastructure.

a. Need balance of skills and perspectives among physicians, nurses, and others b. Need more specific workforce data collection both within and across professions (Hassmiller, 2010).

As you read the key messages within the IOM Future of Nursing report, you may be asking yourself what is new about these key messages as ANA has been working on these issues for years. Dr. Hassmiller summarized the answer to this question in three points:

1. This report was compiled by an expert committee of non-nurses that reached the same conclusions as nurse leaders

2. The IOM gave its stamp of approval

3. The Affordable Care Act makes addressing nursing workforce issues urgent.

It is all about the timing and it is most certainly an exciting time for nursing. To learn more about the steps being taken both nationally and within Wyoming to address the issues in the Future of Nursing report, log on to the ANA website www.nursingworld.org and keep reading the Wyoming Nurse as there are plans to highlight various sections of this report in the next publications.

Also on the national front, is the health care reform law known as the Affordable Care Act. In September, thousands of nurses participated in a conference call with First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Mary Wakefield, Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administrator (HRSA). Dr. Norma Wilkerson was on the call and provided the following summary:

WHAT: The conference call with Nurses, First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Mary Wakefield, Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), and invited speaker Jillian Ross, an OB nurse.

WHEN: Tuesday, September 28, 12:00PM–12:40PM

CONTENT: This discussion covered the Affordable Care Act (ACA) of 2010 with regards to “What the law means for nurses and patients with an emphasis on primary prevention”. New information, protections, benefits and insurance reforms were reviewed. It was stressed that nurses should know about the reforms and provisions of the law in order to help educate our patients, families and communities. Funds in the law are provided for the following:

Expansion of nursing education programs that graduate NPs and Nurse Midwives.

Updating traineeship for nursing education programs.

Nurse faculty loan cancellation for serving in underserved areas.

Funds for nursing doctoral education are expanded.

Primary care for nurse managed Health Centers and the clients they serve.

The National Health Service Corp–for nurses who wish to serve in underserved areas of the country.

RECOMMENDATIONS: Nurses can work collaboratively to encourage consumer use of these resources and benefits by:

Continuing current efforts to educate citizens about prevention so they will take advantage of the prevention and screening benefits.

Use our community connections to spread the word that insurance reforms will make access to prevention easier for citizens.

Encourage young people to enter the health care professions, particularly nursing with an emphasis on careers in primary prevention.

Go to the URL http://www.healthcare.gov/ for current information on the 2010 ACA.

On the State level, the WNA Board of Directors had our annual planning retreat November 13th in Casper. We updated our strategic plan, establishing goals and objectives for the coming year. Our updated goals are:

1. Promote development of nursing leaders

2. Be the leader in legislation and health policy

3. Advance the professional development of nurses

4. Enhance organizational viability

5. Influence workforce initiatives

We have identified several objectives under each goal and I would direct you to our website www.wyonurse.org to review all of them (the strategic plan can be found under the Board of Directors link).

There is much to do as WNA and ANA moves forward. As you review the goals and objectives for the coming year, consider getting involved in a project or working on a committee. Each objective/committee has a lead person identified, to get involved please contact that person, your district president, or any Board member. I am looking forward to working with the nurses of Wyoming as we continue to move our profession forward.

• Wyoming Nurse December 2010, January, February 2011

The “WYOMING NURSE” is the official publication of the Wyoming Nurses’ Association.

WNA BOARD OF DIRECTORSPresident:Faith Jones

Home: 272-2207Email: [email protected]

President Elect:Lisa Horton

Home: 762-3270; Work: 754-7780Email: [email protected]

Vice President:Kathy Luzmoor


Secretary:Jennifer Jones


Treasurer:Sue Howard


DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVES#1 Cheyenne:Maria Kidner


#2 Casper:Mary Behrens


#3 Sheridan:Vacant

#6 Rock Springs:David Bodily

Home: 808-214-0365Email: [email protected]

#10 Gillette:Rose Rennell


#12 Laramie:Jeanine Niemoller


#15 Torrington:Vacant

#16 Powell/Cody:Lisa Horton


#17 Evanston/Kemmerer:Jessie Soelter


#50 Non Districted:Barbara Jean James


EXECUTIVE DIRECTORTobi LyonPMB 101

2816 Dogwood AvenueGillette, WY 82718

PHONE: 1-800-795-6381E-Mail Address: [email protected]

For 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]. WNA 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 Wyoming 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. WNA 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 WNA or those of the national or local associations.

The “WYOMING NURSE” is the”

December 2010, January, February 2011 Wyoming Nurse •

WNA NEWSWNA NEWS

Thursday, January 27, 2011

8:00–9:00 am Registration9:00–9:30 am Welcome and Introductions Lisa Horton, MSN, RN, WNA

President Elect and Legislative Co-Chair

Kathy Luzmoor, MS, RN, WNA Vice President and Legislative Co-Chair

9:30–10:45 am Nurses as Advocates for Patients Health Care Future

American Nurses Association Government Relations Representative

10:45–11:00 am BREAK11:00–11:45 am 2011 Legislative Bills Toni Decklever, MA, RN, WNA

Lobbyist11:45–1:00 pm Lunch and Labor, Health & Social

Services Committee Panel1:00–1:45 pm What will the health care reform

mean for our patients in Wyoming? Tim Summers, AARP1:45–4:00 pm House and Senate Capitol Visit6:00–7:30 pm Nursing and Legislative Reception

Friday, January 28, 2011 7:30–8:00 am Breakfast 8:00–8:30 am Being a Professional Nurse—What

does that look like? Lisa Horton, MSN, RN, WNA President Elect and Legislative Co-Chair

8:30–9:00 am Governor Matt Mead 9:00–9:30 am WNA Legislative Agenda and

Workgroups How can we encourage personal

accountability for health care? Lisa Horton, MSN, RN, WNA President Elect and Legislative Co-Chair Kathy Luzmoor, MS, RN, WNA Vice

President and Legislative Co-Chair

9:30–10:30 am Workgroups Breakout Session

10:30–10:45 am BREAK

10:45–11:30 am Presentation of Workgroups/Talking Points

11:30–12:00 pm Wrap-up and Evaluations

Contact HoursApplication for contact hours has been made to CNE-

Net, the education division of the North Dakota Nurses Association, an accredited approver of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.

Program GoalThis educational activity was designed for Registered

Nurses and nursing students who have an interest in public policy and how nurses become involved in the political arena. This activity will review the legislative process and update participants on current state and federal legislation related to health care.

Target AudienceRegistered Nurses, Advanced Practice Nurses, Nursing

Students and Friends of Nursing.

Hotel Reservations

For your convenience, a block of rooms have been reserved at the Little America Hotel and Resort, 2800 West Lincolnway, Cheyenne, WY. To make reservations call 800-445-6945 and ask for the Wyoming Nurses Association group rate. The group rate is $92. Reservations need to be made prior to December 27, 2010 in order to get the group rate.

“Advocating for Our Health Care Future”WNA Nurses Day at the Legislature

January 27 & 28, 2011Little America • Cheyenne, Wyoming

Register NOW!

LEGISLATIVE DAYS WNA WNA Non- Non- Student Student Member Member Member Member Nurse One Day Both Days One Day Both Days One Day Both Days

By January 5, 2011 $150 $100 $175 $125 $85 $60

After January 5, 2011 $175 $125 $200 $150 $110 $85

If one day only please circle which day? Thursday or Friday

PLEASE circle the amount above you are enclosing with your registration.

__________________________________________________________________________________________Name:

__________________________________________________________________________________________Address: City/ST/Zip:

__________________________________________________________________________________________Tel: Email:

Fees include materials packet, nametag, CE programs, and meals

A full refund, less a $25 processing fee, will be made if request is made at least 72 hours prior to the conference.

WNA cannot be held responsible for adverse weather conditions.

Visit the WNA website www.wyonurse.org and register online!

SEND COMPLETED REGISTRATION FORM WITH PAYMENT TO:Wyoming Nurses AssociationTobi Lyon, Executive Director

2816 Dogwood AvePMB 101

Gillette, WY 82718Phone: 1-800-795-6381

MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO: Wyoming Nurses Association (WNA)


WNA Member Elected to the

Wyoming House of Representatives

Norine Kasperik, Gillette, was recently elected to her first term in the Wyoming House representing District 32.

Congratulations Rep. Kasperik!

DISTRICT NEWSDISTRICT NEWS

Rock Springs District 6

David Bodily, BSN, RN, District 6 President

In October we elected Heidi Brown as secretary, Marlene Ethier as treasurer, and David Bodily as President. In November we hosted our annual “Evening with our Legislators” at the Green River Senior Center. In addition to DNA#6 members and state legislators, the event was attended by nurses from the community and nursing students from Western Wyoming Community College.

Discussions topics at the event included past legislative actions, the new WNA legislative agenda, and items of concern in the upcoming legislative session.

Laramie District 12

Jeanine Niemoller, RN, District 12 President

The District 12 to hold a planning meeting with Sigma Theta Tau and have a joint meeting on December 9,2010. Speaker at that meeting will be Deb Fleming PHD from the Geriatric Education Center and she will speak to both organizations and the students from the Faye Whitney School of Nursing on ELDER CARE–WHERE WE ARE AND WHERE WE ARE GOING. Nursing students will be educated on membership in professional organizations and given invitations to join. The meeting will take place at the Faye Whitney School of Nursing and dinner will be served.

Rawlins District 50

Barbara Jean James, BSN, RN District 50 President

Meeting with student nurses: Discussion about 2011 WNA Board Calendar

Nurses Day at the Legislator is January 27-28 at the Little America, Cheyenne. WNA Board Meeting will be held on Wednesday January 26, at 6:30 if any student would like to attend the dinner and meeting. All the students were asked to join WNA/ANA. Rawlins new House Electives have been invited to meet with District 50 before heading to Cheyenne. A meeting date has not yet been scheduled.

Next meeting is scheduled in January.

Norine Kasperik

December 2010, January, February 2011 Wyoming Nurse •

LEGISLATIVELEGISLATIVE

by Faith M. Jones, MSN, RN, NEA-BC

In our fast paced and short legislative sessions in Wyoming, WNA has a voice. That voice is projected by our lobbyist, Toni Decklever. Toni does a great job getting information out to everyone during the session via email but we as an organization have not always done a great job at giving her timely direction. It is the WNA membership as a whole that sets the legislative agenda for WNA. Getting everyone’s input and opinions on what we as an organization should support or oppose is vital to maintain our unity as the voice of nursing in Wyoming.

At the 2010 Legislative Days, all of the attendees participated in work groups to establish position statements for all members to vote on. Those position statements were sent out with the WNA election ballots to all members. Each member was asked to rate the position statements using a five (5) point scale from strongly agree to strongly disagree. At the annual meeting this September in Cheyenne, those ballots were tallied. Out of the 20 possible position statements, the membership was in 100% agreement that WNA will support the following:

• Access to care related to prevention should be improved

• Access to care related to early detection should be improved

• Encouragement for personal accountability for one’s own care

Your Vote was Counted– WNA’s Legislative Agenda

• Healthcare billing transparency (hospitals, physicians, residential care etc.)

• Expansion of wellness benefits from private insurance and work places

• Coverage for those who fall between being able to afford private health insurance and qualify for Medicaid, Medicare–i.e. “gap insurance”

• Expansion, coordination, and utilization of efficient care

• Health promotion coverage (physical and mental health, dental, vision, etc.) for healthy and chronically ill adults and children to improve quality of life and reduce high end treatment costs.

These eight statements will be used by our lobbyist as a foundation to evaluate whether WNA should support or oppose specific legislation. Having this legislative agenda will in no way decrease the communication from our lobbyist as this is not an all-encompassing agenda and there will be some legislation that is introduced that will not fit any of these statements. This is just the beginning and it is the goal of future Legislative Days to build upon this agenda. Please be part of this important process as we move forward by attending Legislative Days and participating in the work groups as well as voting on potential position statements with the annual election. Remember, voting rights are reserved for members so if you are not a WNA member and you would like a chance to vote and give your opinion on the issues please join WNA–your vote counts!

The members of the Wyoming House of Representatives and the Wyoming Senate have finalized their leadership and committee assignments following party caucuses during the weekend of Nov. 13 and 14. Members of leadership will be sworn in during opening ceremonies on the first day of session, which is slated to begin at noon on Jan. 11, 2011.

The Labor Committee members from the House of Representatives are:

Elaine Harvey, Lovell, Chairman; Joseph Barbuto, Rock Springs; Bernadine Craft, Rock Springs; Gerald Gay, Casper; Keith Gingery, Jackson; Matt Greene, Laramie; Hans Hunt, Newcastle;

WNA Legislative Update

Toni Decklever, MA, RN

Newly elected and veteran legislators will convene on January 11, 2011 in Cheyenne to begin the 61st General Session of the Wyoming Legislature. The Labor Health and Social Services committee has had several meetings in the interim to hear reports and develop draft legislation for the upcoming session.

The Committee’s most recent meeting was held in September where they heard reports from the Department of Health and received updated information regarding Medicaid programs. Jan Drury presented information about Community Health Centers and there was a large amount of discussion around the topic of health insurance.

Two issues specific to nursing were discussed during this 2-day meeting. Last year a bill was brought forward from Sweetwater County involving public health nursing. Each county in our state has a public health office. Campbell County Public Health is staffed with nurses that are employed exclusively with the county. The other 22 counties are staffed with nurses that are a blend – some are employed by the state, some are employed by the county. The bill offered the counties the option of making all of their nurses employees of the county, or staying with their current makeup.

The bill was strongly opposed by the public health nurses and the decision of the committee was to not move the legislation that had been drafted. The sub-committee was giving the assignment to work with the stakeholders and possibly draft a new bill that would be satisfactory to all involved. At this point, this issue will continue to be an interim study.

On the second day, a presentation was given by Maria Kidner, RN, DNP to educate the committee on the roles and responsibilities of the Advanced Practice Nurse. She provided literature and an excellent presentation that was well received by the committee and the audience. Senator Scott has indicated that he would like to attempt to pass legislation that would allow ANP’s the opportunity to apply for admitting privileges to the hospitals in our state. AARP has voiced their support for this issue and meetings have been held with the Wyoming Hospital Association and the Wyoming Medical Society to work on language that all groups can support.

The committee assignments for the upcoming session have been posted. It is important to connect with these members prior to the session so they are familiar with our issues in advance. Many legislators and other groups request assistance or information from nurses as legislation is drafted. Even if you are unable to attend meetings and conferences, your voice does make a difference. I encourage your input and feedback and can be reached at [email protected].

Leadership and Committee Assignments for 61st Legislature Finalized

David Miller, Riverton; Frank Peasley, Douglas.

The Labor Committee members from the Senate are:Charles Scott, Casper, Chairman; Dan Dockstader, Afton; Marty Martin, Superior; Leslie Nutting, Cheyenne; John Schiffer, Kaycee.

Though these members will not start their official term until the session begins in January, it is still appropriate to contact them and visit with them about some of the healthcare issues that are important to our profession.

More contact information can be found on the Wyoming Legislative website at http://legisweb.state.wy.us


by Pauline W. Chen, M.D.Published: November 18, 2010

At the start of my surgical training, I helped to care for

a middle-aged patient who was struggling to recuperate

from a major operation on his aorta, the body’s central

artery, and the blood vessels to his legs. As the days

wore on, the surgeon in charge began consulting various

experts until the once spare patient file became weighted

down with the notes and suggestions of a whole roster of

specialists.

The patient eventually recovered, thanks to the efforts

of many. Nonetheless, one afternoon while walking around

the wards with the senior surgeon, I couldn’t help but make

a crack about the sheer heft of the patient’s chart; it was,

after all, my job to carry it around while she visited with

patients.

“Remember this for when you get out into the real

world,” she said, taking the chart from me and letting it dip

in a way that exaggerated its bulk. “When the ship seems

to be going down, you’ve got to get all hands on deck.”

We might do well to remember that surgeon’s advice

right now.

As we inch toward 2014, the year that the Patient

Protection and Affordable Care Act, the centerpiece

of the health care overhaul, takes effect, it has become

increasingly clear that the ship known as our health care

system is in the process of sinking. And it is not spiraling

costs or an overreliance on technology that is weighing

most heavily on the health care system, but the sheer

volume of patients it must serve.

Currently overloaded with a rapidly aging patient

population and their attendant complex medical problems,

the system has yet to absorb the 32 million newly insured

patients on the horizon. Moreover, over the next 10 years,

a third of current physicians will retire, and the physician

deficit will increase from just over 7,000 to almost

100,000, with shortages in all specialties, and not just

primary care.

But like crew members frantically moving deck chairs,

policy makers, medical center administrators, third-

party payers and even doctors and patients have remained

focused on one thing: the physicians. In all the discussions

about adjusting the number of medical schools and

training slots, rearranging physician payment schedules

and reorganizing practice models, one group of providers

has been conspicuously missing.

The nurses.

Nurses currently form the largest sector of health

care providers, with more than three million currently

registered; but few have led or even been involved in

the formal policy discussions regarding the future care

of patients. To address this discrepancy, the Institute

of Medicine and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation

assembled a national panel of health care experts that has

been meeting for the last two years to discuss the role of

nurses in transforming the current health care system.

Their final report was published last month with no less

ambitious a title than “The Future of Nursing: Leading

Change, Advancing Health.”

The report, it turns out, lives up to its name. Free of the

kind of diatribes that usually creep into discussions about

the roles of different health care providers, this report

instead relies heavily on the evidence amassed over the

last 50 years in clinical trials on the efficacy of nursing

care. Weighing in at almost 600 pages, it offers several

recommendations, including what amounts to a rebuke of

the current piecemeal education of nurses and a debunking

of the notion that physicians are the only ones who should

lead (and be reimbursed for) any changes in the current

health care system.

Leaders in nursing have welcomed the report. “I think

it’s a good blueprint for the future,” said Catherine L.

Gilliss, president of the American Academy of Nursing,

who was not a member of the panel.

Part of that blueprint includes innovative nursing-led

services like the Transitional Care Model program at the

University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, where nurses

are assigned to elderly hospitalized patients deemed to

be at high risk for relapse. For up to three months after

discharge, the nurse makes home visits, accompanies

the patient to doctors’ offices and collaborates with the

primary care physician and family caregivers. In early

trials, the program has significantly decreased hospital

readmissions and costs by as much as $5,000 per patient.

But because not all third-party payers and institutions

are willing to enroll patients in a nurse-directed program

or pay for new nursing services, not all patients who are

eligible for the special care can enroll because they won’t

be reimbursed.

“What is fundamentally operating here is the culture

of care,” said Mary D. Naylor, a principal investigator in

the Transitional Care Model program and a professor

of nursing at the University of Pennsylvania. “We don’t

recognize how critically important it is to maximize the

contributions of everyone.”

But the report was just as forceful in urging nurses to

revamp the way they are educated, citing the decades-

long struggle within the profession to define what exactly

a nurse is. The term “registered nurse” can refer equally

to graduates of two-year associate’s programs, four-

year baccalaureate programs, and advanced master’s or

doctorate programs. In addition to proposing the addition

of postgraduate clinical training, or residency, programs,

similar to what physicians currently go through, the panel

recommended increasing the number of nurses with

baccalaureate degrees to 80 percent from 50 percent and

doubling the number of nurses with doctorate degrees over

the next 10 years.

The expert panel is scheduled to convene again at the

end of this month, this time to discuss implementing their

recommendations. They will have their work cut out for

them. Critics like the American Medical Association have

charged that the report overlooks the extensive education

and training of physicians and ignores the importance

of physician-led teams in ensuring patient safety. In its

official statement, the AMA warns that “with a shortage

of both nurses and physicians, increasing the responsibility

of nurses is not the answer to the physician shortage.”

Whatever the final outcome, leaders in the nursing

community believe that the report is an important first step

toward organizing nurses to better serve patients through

the challenges of the next few decades.

“I don’t think any group has a lock on advocacy,” Dr.

Gilliss said, “and I don’t believe that any one group is

restricted from reaching out and being in the patient’s

world, making home visits, doing a little something out of

the ordinary.”

“There’s a need for many hands,” she added, “and this

may be nursing’s shining moment.”

Nurses’ Role in the Future of Health Care


Convention Highlights

WNA ANNUAL 2010 CONVENTION HIGHLIGHTSWNA ANNUAL 2010 CONVENTION HIGHLIGHTS

The Wyoming Nurses Association Annual Convention and the Wyoming Nurses Summit was held in Cheyenne, Wyoming on September 16-18, 2010, “100 Years of Nursing on the Wyoming Frontier”. This year’s focus was on the past, present and future of nursing in Wyoming. Nurses from across Wyoming came together to celebrate and honor the 100th year of the Wyoming Nurses Association.

2010 Award Winners:2010 Award Winners:

Nicole Rooney, RNC, WCC, LaramieExcellence in Clinical Nursing Practice Award

Carrie Deselms,

MSN, APRN, FNP-BC, AlbinCommunity Service and Health

Promotion Award

Mary Burman, PhD, APRN, BC, LaramieLeadership in Nursing Award

Sue Howard, MSN, RN, Gillette, Outstanding Service to WNA Award

Marian Gruenfelder, MSN, RN, LaramiePioneer in Nursing Award

Paula Belknap, RN, MSN, CNS, NE,

Cheyenne District 1 Nurse of the Year

Karlena Sheehan, RN, Rock SpringsDistrict 6 Nurse of the Year

Rose Rennell, RN, MSN, GilletteDistrict 10 Nurse of the Year

Norma Wilkerson, RN, PhD, LaramieDistrict 12 Nurse of the Year

Celia Solis, BSN, RN-BC, PowellDistrict 16 Nurse of the Year

Judy Dixon, RN, RawlinsDistrict 50 Nurse of the Year

Marian Gruenfelder, Pioneer in Nursing Award.

Mary Burman, Leadership in Nursing Award.

Carrie Deselms, Community Service and Health Promotion.

Judy Dixon, District 50 Nurse of the Year.

Sue Howard Outstanding Service to WNA.

Celia Solis, District 16 Nurse of the Year.

Rose Rennell, District 10 Nurse of the Year.

Nicole Rooney, Excellence in Clinical Nursing Practice Award.

Paula Belknap, District 1 Nurse of the Year.

Norma Wilkerson, District 12 Nurse of the Year.

December 2010, January, February 2011 Wyoming Nurse • Page 9

Convention Highlights

WNA ANNUAL 2010 CONVENTION HIGHLIGHTSWNA ANNUAL 2010 CONVENTION HIGHLIGHTS

WNA Election Results WNA Election Results for the 2010–2012 Term for the 2010–2012 Term

is as follows:is as follows:President-Elect Lisa Horton, RN, MSN, Otto

Treasurer Sue Howard, MSN, RNBC, Gillette

President-Elect Treasurer Lisa Horton Sue Howard

Thank You to the 2010 Convention

Sponsors and Exhibitors

We greatly appreciate the generosity and dedication that all of are sponsors and exhibitors have given WNA over the years. Their support made the 2010 convention and nursing summit a solid success!

American Nurses AssociationAmerican Sentinel University

APS HealthcareArthur Davis Publishing Agency

Auxiliary of the Gideon’s InternationalCampbell County Memorial Hospital

Clarkson CollegeFWWSON LEAP Grants

Ivinson Memorial HospitalPowell Valley Healthcare

Rueckert-Hartman College for Health Professionals

University of WyomingWyoming AIDS Education and Training

CenterWyoming Department of Health

Wyoming Health CouncilWyoming Health Resources Network

Wyoming Medical CenterWyoming Through With Chew

WNA 2011 Annual Convention will be held September 22-24, 2011 at the Clarion Hotel and Convention Center, Gillette,

Wyoming… see you all there!

Judy Dixon and Barbara Jean James from Rawlins at Convention.


Starting September 23rd, several more provisions of the new health care law will go into effect. The American Nurses Association (ANA) has been a staunch supporter of health care reform. ANA affirms that this law greatly increases access to care for millions of people, and believes it will strengthen and improve the health care system for generations to come. The law also includes provisions that will help transform our nation’s health care system from one that focuses on ‘sick’ care to one focused on prevention, primary care and disease management. ANA encourages nurses to explain these new benefits to their patients in order for them to access both insurance coverage and health care services. The benefits in the new law will help consumers optimize their health and protect their financial security.

Benefits Now in Effect for Consumers

1. People cannot lose their insurance coverage when they get sick; insurance companies are prohibited from dropping coverage.

2. Individuals with pre-existing health problems will be able to access insurance. Children with pre-existing conditions cannot be denied coverage by insurance companies. Adults with pre-existing conditions can enroll in the Pre-existing Insurance Plan.

3. Consumers will not be at risk of losing benefits due to costly treatments; lifetime caps on insurance coverage are banned; annual caps on coverage are restricted.

4. Children up to age 26 can be covered on their parents’ insurance plans.

5. Consumers will not have to share the costs for preventive services. Individuals who join new plans will have greater access to preventive care services such as breast cancer screenings, immunizations and colonoscopies; co-pays for these services will be eliminated.

6. Women may receive obstetric or gynecological care from any provider and insurance companies will treat their authorizations the same as a primary care provider’s; primary care providers include doctors, nurse practitioners and certified nurse midwives.

7. Consumers will have greater access to emergency services; insurers must provide covered emergency services regardless of whether the provider is in-network.

8. Patients will have a greater choice of primary care providers including nurse practitioners and certified nurse midwives. New plans will allow patients the choice of any primary care provider available.

9. Consumers will have stronger rights to appeal insurers’ decisions they feel are unfair or discriminatory.

10. Seniors who reach the ‘donut hole’ gap in their Medicare prescription drug coverage benefit will receive a $250 rebate check.

American Nurses Association Highlights How Health Care Law Benefits Consumers – New Provisions Effective Today


WNA Executive Director Named the Ten over the

Next Ten Awards

Ten young professionals were recognized Tuesday, September 28, 2010 for their talent and potential to have the biggest impact on the Lansing, MI area in the next decade.

The Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Grand River Connection presented the fourth annual Ten Over the Next Ten awards at the Lansing Country Club. Ten up and coming young professionals where chosen from more than 85 nominations.

Among those honored was Tobi Lyon who is the executive director for the Wyoming Nurses Association and development director of the Sparrow Foundation, where she leads fundraising efforts for the Sparrow Health System’s cancer and hospice unites. Ms. Lyon moved to Lansing from Wyoming in September of 2008 to work for Sparrow. During the time she has kept her employment with WNA, of which she began her tenure with WNA in November of 2005. Ms. Lyon other accomplishment was being named the top 40 under 40 in the state of Wyoming in March of 2008.

“It’s important to recognize young talent especially in a city like Lansing, being named one of the top 10 young professional cities to live in,” said Tom Ruis, president Grand River Connection young professional group.

Lansing was named one of “10 Great Cities for Young Adults” by financial news organization Kiplinger Washington Editors Inc. in July.

“We’re looking at the leadership ability and the impact that these individuals have had on the community, but then more importantly trying to look ahead,” said Tim Daman, the chamber’s president and CEO.

Applicants had to be age 35 or younger and have worked in Ingham, Eaton or Clinton counties for at least two years.

Other winners included Thomas Steward, CEO of Common Wealth Enterprises; Rochelle Rizzi president and CEO of Rizzi Designs LLC; Tremaine Phillips, assistant deputy director at the Michigan Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth; Jeff McWherter, partner and director of development at Gravity Works Design and Development; Paul Jaques, internship developer at Michigan State University’ Kat Cooper, communication manager for MSU’s Auxiliary Resources; Sara Jennings senior manager at Maner Costerisan account firm; Jessica Knott, instructional designer at TechSmith Corp; and Adam Van Lente, CEO of Inc.

Tobi Lyon

OTHER NEWSOTHER NEWS

(Wyoming, November 6, 2010)–Nearly 100 professionals from across the State of Wyoming came together to celebrate the top nurses in our great state. The Sixth Annual March of Dimes Nurse of the Year Awards Celebration was held Saturday, Nov. 6th, at the Gillette College Tech Center. The Statewide celebration recognized Wyoming nurses in 16 categories including the Distinguished Nurse of the Year sponsored by Campbell County memorial Hospital and the honored Legends in Nursing in remembrance of Ellen K. Taylor.

The guest speaker for the evening was Diana Enzi. The awards were presented by Dr. Robert Neuwirth to nurses in numerous categories including ambulatory nursing, pediatrics, public health and rehabilitation, women’s health and the Ellen K. Taylor Legend Award. Nominations were received from patients, coworkers, friends and other healthcare professionals. The winners were selected by a committee made up of professionals. Our exceptional 2010 winners include, from Campbell County Memorial Hospital; Alicia LePard, RN; Donna Lowery, RN; Deb Tonn, FNP, WHCNP; Ashley Fraser, RN; Kelly Gebauer, RN; Michelle Irwin, RN; from Memorial Hospital of Converse County; Kelly Clauson, FNP, WHCNP, APRN; Maureen Hurley; from Ivinson Memorial Hospital; Barbara Pier, RN, MHA; Debra Dawson, RN; Nicole Vasquez, RN, MSN; from Wyoming Behavioral Institute; Lindsey Walker, RN; from Cheyenne Regional Medical Center Hospice; Julie Doman, RN; from Star Valley Medical Center; Michelle Oliver, RN, BSN; from Powell Valley Healthcare, Inc.; Michelle Hoyt, RN; and from Campbell County Memorial Hospital Dist./Pioneer Manor; Ramona Bushor. The outstanding student nurses were; Candace Williams from Casper College; Kelly McMahill from the University of Wyoming; and Samantha Myers from Gillette College. The Ellen K. Taylor Legend Award was given to Nola Wallace of Gillette, Wyoming. Accepting the 2010 Distinguished Nurse of the Year award was Kellie Clauson from Memorial Hospital of Converse county.

6th Annual Nurse of the Year Awards Celebration

With Wyoming’s support, the March of Dimes conducts top-level research into causes and preventions of premature birth and birth defects. The March of Dimes also brings information and emotional support to families who have had a premature or sick baby who is being treated in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

For more information about the Nurse of the Year Awards Celebration or to support and volunteer for the event contact the March of Dimes, Wyoming Chapter State Office at 307.266.6789.


OTHER NEWSOTHER NEWS

Mary E. BurmanCo-Chair, WCNHCP Advisory Board

Matt SholtyOffice Associate, WCNHCP

New Graduate Nurse Transition into Practice

The most wonderful feeling is knowing that there are people around you who support you and are there to help

you… The more encouragement I get, the better I can function as a nurse.

New Nurse (Ulrich, 2003)

The 2010 Nursing Summit, held in conjunction with the Wyoming Nurses Association and co-sponsored by WNA, the Fay W. Whitney School of Nursing and the WCNHCP, focused on the transition of new graduates into practice.

Highlights of the summit included the keynote address by Elaine Scott, Director of the East Carolina Center for Nursing Leadership. Her engaging style, knowledge of nursing practice and education, and her sense of humor started the summit off on a high note! Dr. Scott

summarized what we know about new graduate transition into practice based on her own research and that of others (see her website at http://www.nursing.ecu.edu/fs_details_scottel.html).

Attendees also heard from 4 recent graduates from Wyoming nursing programs (two from community college programs, one from the Basic BSN program at UW and one from the BRAND (accelerated) program at UW). Their honest, articulate and heartfelt comments reassured participants that nursing is in good hands, but also reminded those listening about the real challenges of transitioning from the somewhat sheltered world of nursing education to the realities of clinical practice. One attendee remarked that we needed to hear from new graduates every year or two “to remind us just what it is like to be a new nurse.”

What do we know about transition into practice for new nurses? Dr. Scott, based on her research, has developed a model of “New Graduate Nurse Transition into the Workplace” based on a socialization process that links nurses, their educational experience and the organization where they take their first position. In it she posits that

students transition into a competent practitioner during the first two years of practice. This transition is influenced by “anticipatory socialization” and “organizational socialization.”

Anticipatory socialization focuses on what happens before the first job and encompasses the type of educational program the student completes and the student’s expectations regarding work. In addition, student experiences, based on age, race, marital status, knowledge and skills, life events, family culture, personality and personal hardiness, all influence the transition into practice. For example, transition into practice can be much more complicated for minority nurses.

Organizational socialization addresses what happens when the new graduate begins their first work experience as a nurse. The new nurse is influenced by the approaches the organization takes for orientation and mentoring, the environmental realities of the organization, including work stress, job demands and organizational culture, and the fit between the nurse and the environment.

The outcomes of this socialization process results in job and career satisfaction, organizational commitment, intent to stay/leave the organization, and intent to stay/leave nursing. Unfortunately, for far too many new nurses, job satisfaction is not high resulting in a high turnover in the first year of practice.

What’s happening in Wyoming to facilitate transition of new graduates? The WCNHCP funded pilot projects designed to enhance recruitment and retention and decrease turnover over nurses in Wyoming. Several of these pilot projects focused on aspects of transition: 1) expansion a graduate nurse residency program to 12 months, 2) development of preceptor orientation modules, and 3) creation of a leadership institute to enhance nurse manager leadership competencies thus enhancing the workplace environment. The final evaluation of these pilot projects is almost completed and you will hear more about these in a subsequent column.

Are there resources nurses can use to facilitate the transition of new graduates? Yes, the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) has a key initiative focused on new graduate transition. The Council has developed a toolkit which is available on line at https://www.ncsbn.org/1603.htm.

Mark your calendar. The 2011 Nursing Summit is scheduled for September 23 and 24 in connection with the Wyoming Nurses Association annual meeting in Gillette. Stay tuned for more information about both the Summit and the WNA meeting.

The WCNHCPs is the nursing workforce center for the State of Wyoming. The mission of the center is to strengthen the nursing workforce through on-going collaboration, communication, and consensus building to meet the health needs of the people of Wyoming. For further information, please visit the WCNHCP’s webpage at wynursing.org.

Wyoming Center for Nursing and Health Care Partnerships Corner


ANA NEWSANA NEWS

ANA Applauds the Launch of the Center for

Innovation Silver Spring, MD–The American Nurses Association

(ANA) was proud to participate in an event to announce the launch of the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation. The Center for Innovation, a program funded by the Affordable Care Act through the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), will test innovative approaches to improving health care delivery, payment and quality. Its ultimate goal is to lower health care costs while improving quality.

ANA President Karen Daley, PhD, MPH, RN, FAAN, spoke at the launch event, “Nurses share the Center’s focus on improving the quality of care, with patients at the center of all we do. Nurses have a unique perspective that comes from being the patient’s partner across the continuum of care and in all health settings.” President Daley continued, “To truly transform our health care system, it is essential to identify new models to improve quality while containing or reducing costs. Nurses’ education, skills and professional scope make them indispensable contributors to the successful development and implementation of evolving patient-centered care delivery models. We believe that the Center needs to explore a full range of new models of care, including those led by advanced practice registered nurses.”

The Center for Innovation will be testing care delivery models with a focus on certain criteria, many of which rely heavily on nurses:

• Patient-centered primary care • Care settings beyond acute care • Coordination of care, especially with targeted

populations such as geriatric • Interdisciplinary planning, care and communication• Evaluation of appropriateness of services, chronic care

management services and creating and disseminating patient decision-support tools

Nurse Managed Health Clinics (NMHCs) are a care model that ANA has touted as improving coordination of care, quality and efficiency. Recognizing the contributions of NMHCs, the Affordable Care Act authorized a $50 million dollar grant program to expand the reach of these clinics over the next four years. NMHCs provide primary care, health education and preventive services that often serve low-income populations in underserved areas. If you are interested in learning more about innovative nurse-led programs, please visit the American Academy of Nursing’s “Raise the Voice Campaign” at, http://www.aannet.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=3301

ANA Ready to Work with Congress

Silver Spring, MD–The American Nurses Association (ANA) is eager to work with the incoming Congress to advance issues of importance to nurses and patients. ANA was pleased to see the significant role played by nurses in this election, as candidates and on campaigns. ANA’s Nurses Campaign Activity Night (Nurses CAN) was a tremendous success and the association will continue to ensure nurses’ voices are heard in the 112th Congress.

“The incoming Congress includes the largest freshman class since 1948,” said ANA-PAC Chair Mary Behrens, RN, MSN, FNP-C. “We see this as a significant opportunity to educate new lawmakers on the legislation that impacts nurses, the largest group of health care professionals, and the patients we serve.”

Among ANA’s priorities with the new Congress will be protecting the provisions already enacted by the passage of the Affordable Care Act. This historic legislation benefits both the nursing profession and health care consumers, ANA remains committed to reform which expands access to care and serves to strengthen and improve our health care system for generations to come.

The American Nurses Association (ANA) is the only full-service professional organization representing the interests of the nation’s 3.1 million registered nurses through its constituent member nurses associations, its organizational affiliates, and its workforce advocacy affiliate, the Center for American Nurses. The ANA advances the nursing profession by fostering high standards of nursing practice, promoting the rights of nurses in the workplace, projecting a positive and realistic view of nursing, and by lobbying the Congress and regulatory agencies on health care issues affecting nurses and the public.

ANA and WNA Dues Increase

It has been a busy year at ANA! We have been working for you and for nursing, and are committed to continuing to make your membership an invaluable resource in many ways:

From a professional standpoint, consider ANA’s leadership in working for nursing quality: Magnet™ Hospitals; a National Center for Nursing Quality; special nursing resource web pages on immunization programs, disaster preparedness, and more. These are programs you can use, rely upon, and be proud of.

From a political standpoint, our lobbyists have been working tirelessly on your behalf and in the best interests of nursing. The details of healthcare reform are being worked out and ANA is at the table, making sure that nursing voices are heard, and that your elected officials understand the reality of what happens at the bedside. We are also successfully fighting for workforce funding, safe patient handling and increased financial support for educational programs for student nurses and nursing educators.

From a personal standpoint, consider the practice helps and career building opportunities: job search and development at ANA’s Career Center, free and reduced cost CE modules and webinars, discounts on ANCC professional certification, and the new Mosby’s Nursing Consult–ANA Edition. We have a lot to help you advance yourself, your career, and your profession.

Of course, the costs to serve our members and to represent the profession have continued to grow. To help ANA stay current with inflation, the ANA House of Delegates approved a dues escalator that is tied to the Consumer Price Index-Urban (CPI-U) with a cap of no more than 2% per year. The increase is implemented every 3 years.

During the WNA Annual Meeting held at the WNA Convention on September 17, 2010 in Cheyenne the WNA membership voted to also increase WNA membership dues in addition to ANA increase in January.

Beginning January 1, 2011 Wyoming Nurses Association membership dues will increase by a total of $6 on an annually basis. The $6 is broken down as follows: ANA increase by $4 and WNA increase by $2.

If you have any questions on the above, please feel free to contact me Tobi Lyon, WNA Executive Director email [email protected] or phone 1-800-795-6381 or Susan Rimland ANA Director of Membership Billing Services email [email protected] or phone 301-628-5181.

Please know that we value your membership and commitment! We will continue to work to serve our members, and to advance and protect the nursing profession.


*LAST NAME / FIRST NAME / MIDDLE INITIAL CREDENTIALS/ SOCIAL SECURITY #

*STREET OR PO BOX # BASIC SCHOOL OF NURSING/ HOME PHONE

*CITY / STATE / ZIP GRADUATION: MONTH / YEAR WORK PHONE

EMPLOYER NAME *R. N. LICENSE # FAX

EMPLOYER ADDRESS / CITY / STATE / ZIP E-MAIL

TITLE / POSITION MAJOR CLINICAL, PRACTICE, OR TEACHING AREA RECRUITED BY

MEMBERSHIP CATEGORIES

PLEASE CHECK ONE

❑ FULL ANA/WNA MEMBERSHIP

RN employed full or part time

❑ REDUCED 50% OF FULL ANA/WNA MEMBERSHIP DUES (NEW GRADUATES)

RN who is unemployed

- or - over 62 years of age & earning less than maximum allowed receiving Social Security benefits

- or - enrolled in baccalaureate, masters or doctoral program, at least 20 credit hours per year

- or - RN FIRST YEAR, WITHIN SIX (6) MONTHS AFTER GRADUATION

❑ REDUCED 75% OF FULL ANA/WNA MEMBERSHIP DUES (RETIRED)

- RN who is over 62 years of age and unemployed

- or - who is totally disabled

❑ WNA ONLY MEMBERSHIP

RN employed full or part time

PAYMENT OPTIONS

❑ FULL ANNUAL PAYMENT BY CHECK

❑ PAY BY ELECTRONIC DUES PAYMENT PLAN (EDPP)

Read, sign the authorization, and enclose a check for the first month’s payment (amount shown in bold

above); one-twelfth (1/12) of your annual dues will be withdrawn from that checking account monthly, in

addition to an annual $6.00 (50¢ per month) service fee (total is amount above).

AUTHORIZATION: This authorizes ANA to withdraw 1/12 of my annual dues and any additional service

fees from the checking account designated by the enclosed check for the first month’s payment. ANA is

authorized to change the amount by giving the undersigned 30 days written notice. The undersigned may

cancel this authorization upon receipt by ANA of written confirmation of termination 20 days prior to the

deduction date as designated above. ANA will charge a $5.00 fee for return drafts.

SIGNATURE FOR EDPP AUTHORIZATION: _______________________________________________________

❑ PAY BY CREDIT CARD

___ Full annual payment—automatic annual credit card payment (automatic renewal)

___ Monthly payment from credit card

___ Full annual payment—one year only

______________________________________________ Visa/MasterCard ___________________ Expiration date

Wyoming Association Membership Application

PMB 101, 2816 Dogwood Avenue • Gillette, WY 82718 • Phone: 1-800-795-6381

WNA Payment ScheduleWNA Payment Schedule Annual Payment *EDPP Payroll Full Deduction

WY #01 Cheyenne:Member Full - $271.00 $23.08 $22.58Reduced Full - $135.50 $11.79 $11.29Special Full - $67.75 $6.15 $5.65

WY #02 Casper:Member Full - $256.50 $21.88 $21.38Reduced Full - $128.25 $11.19 $10.69Special Full - $64.13 $5.84 $5.34

WY #03 Sheridan:Member Full - $258.50 $22.04 $21.54Reduced Full - $129.25 $11.27 $10.77Special Full - $71.38 $6.45 $5.95

WY #06 Rock Springs:Member Full - $257.00 $21.92 $21.42Reduced Full - $128.50 $11.21 $10.71Special Full - $64.25 $5.85 $5.35

WY #10 Gillette:WY #14 Lander and RivertonWY#15 Torrington:Member Full - $261.00 $22.25 $21.75Reduced Full - $130.50 $11.38 $10.88Special Full - $65.25 $5.94 $5.44

WY #12 Laramie:Member Full - $286.00 $24.33 $23.83Reduced Full - $143.00 $12.42 $11.92Special Full - $71.50 $6.46 $5.96

WY #17 Evanston/Kemmerer:Member Full - $256.00 $21.83 $21.33Reduced Full - $138.50 $11.17 $10.67Special Full - $64.00 $5.83 $5.33

WY #16 Cody/PowellWY #50 Undistricted:Member Full - $251.00 $21.42 $20.92Reduced Full - $125.50 $10.96 $10.46Special Full - $62.75 $5.73 $5.23

WNA Only State MembershipMember Full—$177 $15.25 $14.75

* Includes a $0.50 service chargeElectronic direct payment plan

Make Check Payable to: American Nurses AssociationSend Check & Application to:Wyoming Nurses Association

PMB 1012816 Dogwood Avenue

Gillette, WY 82718Phone: 1-800-795-6381

Welcome New WNA Members

District 1Suzannah Averill, CheyenneShelly Montgomery, Carpenter

District 2Teresa Corkill, CasperJane Hartsock, CasperVenessa Yoosook, Casper

District 3Jenny Heuck, SheridanTrudy Munsick, Dayton

District 10Loresa Brinkerhoff, Gillette

District 15Brenda Sturm, Torrington

District 17Kevin Mueske, Riverton

District 50Lynn Campbell, JacksonJennifer Padilla, LovellPhillip Reints, PinedaleBetty Zernik, Jackson

WNA OnlyCheryl Hewitt, Irwin

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