A Series of Ridiculous Situations

You want anecdotes? I HAVE anecdotes.

Act I: The Project
I recently completed a final project in pharmacology. We were assigned in groups and given a MAR (med administration record) listing 10 drug orders. From this list alone we had to figure out the patient's many medical diagnoses, develop a plan of care, and uncover the various mistakes, interactions, and risks associated with the given orders.

It was nightmarish to say the least, but we got it done. Everyone ended up arguing over why the person wasn't on Lasix, and whether we should point out the combination of a "-pril" and a "-tan" as a mistake even though we have seen this combo in the hospital before... well anyway I don't want to get into a bunch of jargon. The list of stuff goes on and on. The point was that it was a freaking hard assignment. The good thing is I really feel like my studies this semester prepared me well.

But there was something Pharmacology didn't prepare me for...

Act II: The Standardized Test
Each semester we are expected to pass a series of ATI Exams before moving on the next level. ATI scores don't affect our grade. They just provide benchmarks to gauge our competency and predict our NCLEX scores. I finished up the Fundamentals exam last week and took the Pharmacology one today. You only have to make a 65% to pass (which may seem low until you consider the fact that the national average is only 63%).

I took a few practice tests to warm up. Scored in the high 70s, so I figured I was safe. Even when I missed a question on the practice test, my second choice was usually right. I waited outside the computer lab with confidence...

...until student after student came out looking dismayed. "Failed it by one question" they'd say. Ack! Apparently the class was right on par with the national average. When I finally logged in and began my own test, I had that sinking feeling of impending doom. I had never even heard the names of several of the medications before. I guessed many, MANY times at the answers. The proctor caught my expression and came over to pat me on the back. "Take your time, Heather! Everything will be okay."

I looked up at her sadly as I hit the score button. "I know I did horribly. I was only certain of about 10 of those answers". She glanced down at the screen and made a noise of delight, and my eyes followed hers. I'd made an 80%. Apparently it was one of the highest scores in the class.

After the initial shock my first reaction was anger. "This is stupid!" I said. "There is no way this is an accurate score of my ability! There is no way this will indicate my success rate on the NCLEX! I guessed on almost everything!"
"Maybe you're a really good guesser then. It's impossible to know the effects of all the drugs. You've learned HOW to think about them this semester, so you can apply it to the others."
"No. That's not good enough." I said. And it's true; we're dealing with people's lives here. I need to know what side effects go with these medications. I know I can't expect to learn it all immediately, but damn it, I don't want to make a "good guess" about toxicity symptoms. I want to have time to learn it now. But there isn't time.

She was unphased. "You know best what you need to study. Do that, and don't worry about it."

So I guess I won't worry about it. Still makes me angry though. That test is flawed. A big mistake.

But not as big a mistake as my last story...

Act III: The Shirt
My friend Meredith and her girlfriend Cris have started making tie-dye. Anytime Meredith gets excited over something cool she HAS to share it with people, so on the last day of clinicals Meredith brought her latest tie-dye shirt for our inspection. She described the process of creating the tiny folds just so in order to make the intricate zig-zag pattern across the front. She spent days on it. It was a cool shirt, as tie-dye shirts go. We were all proud.

We took Instructor Sarcastic (also known as Instructor Incredible) out for lunch on the last day of clinicals. We gave her some gifts and a card to let her know we appreciated her teaching. I made her this little picture and all of us signed it:
(Everyone thought it was cute. I might use something like it for SNA shirts next year. What do you think?)

But anyway, back to the story:
Meredith wanted to show off her tie-dyed shirt, so she held it up for our instructor to see. Instructor Incredible smiled with delight. "Oh! Thank you!" she said.

What a sad misunderstanding! I could see Meredith's face fall as she realized that she wasn't getting her shirt back. Everyone at the table got big eyes and looked over at her. No one knew what to say. Of course, it wasn't exactly the best timing on her part. And she has a way of handing things to people that somehow conveys a finality... but still! Her pride and joy, mistakenly gifted away. I don't think she even got to wear it once. Instructor Incredible, on the other hand was thrilled. She pulled it over her head immediately and praised it and profusely.

Meredith has a really sweet heart, she just smiled and said "You're welcome"... and let it go. There will be others, after all. Later, when I asked her how her day was, she looked at me flatly. "I lost a shirt."
"Look on the bright side," the others intoned. "Maybe this will help your clinical grade a little?"

Meredith laughed.

The lesson of all this kids? Study hard, study hard, and keep smiling.

Good luck on your finals everyone!

Back To The Future

(Cal State Long Beach Nursing Class of 2007)

Whether the National Nurse Team presents in Portland, Oregon or Southern California or on the East Coast, they are greeted by enthusiastic, warm, and friendly nursing students. Judging by what the team has seen, the American public is in great hands with the future of nursing.

(Mt. Wachusett Community College RN students with Teri and Alisa)

The team has been impressed with the critical thinking skills of the students as evidenced by their great questions during the presentations. The students often ask similar questions as to what the older, more experienced nurses do. It is apparent that they too want a change in the way nursing is being delivered, so that the focus returns to health promotion and prevention.

(OR Student Nursing Association)

Lillian Gonzalez will be speaking to a class of nursing students in Nevada on May 9th and Teri and Alisa will have the privilege of addressing the OHSU Class of 2006 as well as the Portland Community College Class of 2006 and Class of 2007 next month.

If you are a nursing student desiring more information about HR 4903 or if there is a way the team can be of assistance, please email teri@nationalnurse.info

Celebrate National Nurses Week-May 6-12

The National Nurse Campaign is purely a grassroots effort, which means funding received is from supporters like you. To keep the efforts going strong, please visit the National Nurse Cafe Press website and make a purchase. The merchandise featured will help get the word out about HR 4903, the National Nurse Act of 2006.

If you are interested in receiving a free smaller version of the poster seen at the National Nurse Cafe Press website please email teri@nationalnurse.info.

The Rolling Eyes

(Pictured: Terri Polick, RN)

The rolling eyes, the defiant look, the unmistakable sound of, Whatever? If you are a parent of a teenager, you know what it is like. You want to help your child navigate through adolescence, but how? You worry and wonder about what is going on.

As a psychiatric nurse, I tell parents it is normal for their teenager to assert their independence by dressing in way-out clothes, listening to loud music, and by pushing the rules. After all, did we not all do that at one time or another? However, parents must also be aware that something else might be going on.

Noticeable changes in a child's behavior can be a sign of depression. There are 5,000 to 6,000 teen suicides reported in America every year, and on average, every 47 seconds a teenager in America attempts suicide and every 80 minutes a teen dies by suicide. The good news is that depression can be treated. The first step is knowing the signs and symptoms of depression. If your child has anyone of the following symptoms, seek care from a mental health professional.

Signs and symptoms of youth depression
(usually seen every day for at least 2 weeks)

Sadness (with or without crying)
Anxiety
Lack of energy
Temper outbursts and/or violent
episodes
Easily irritated
Sleeping too little or too much
Little or no appetite, or eating too often
Withdrawal from friends and family

Loss of interest in activities usually enjoyed (including school activities)
Feelings of extreme guilt or shame
Poor memory and concentration
Increased use of alcohol or drugs
Worsening grades
Skipping school or classes
Threatening suicide (even in a joking manner)

Citation: When Nothing Matters Anymore: A Survival Guide for Depressed Teens, by Bev Cobain RNC. Free Spirit Publishing, Inc. 1998.

Team Visits Santa Ana Red Cross

(Pictured: Cal State Long Beach Nursing Students-Class of 2007)

Alisa and Teri had an opportunity to educate public health leaders in the Santa Ana community in addition to several delightful third year nursing students from Cal State Long Beach. A huge thank you goes out to Susan Sullivan, a public health nurse for over 40 years, and Mary Davis of the Orange County Employee Association for their time and thoughtfulness in putting together two events for us to speak at.

Every group brings a different perspective and exchange of ideas. The public health arena is Ground Zero for the Office of the National Nurse, and if every state is in as good hands as the nurses in Santa Ana, this proposal will take off and be highly successful. It was terrific seeing the enthusiasm and hearing the feedback of our future nurses as well.

Weekend Immersion in Nursing Informatics July 28-30, 2006 St. Joseph Hospital, Orange, California

This conference focuses on information technology trends and issues facing the nursing professional and provides a comprehensive examination of nursing informatics theories, systems analysis and the impact of human factors. As the use of computers in healthcare becomes increasingly critical, it is essential to provide nurses with skills and knowledge in information management. Please click here for the brochure/registration http://www.ania.org .(scroll down home page for brochure) For more information, please contact Linda Privette at Linda.Privette@stjoe.org or 714/771-8000, ext. 2698.

Thank You Representative Jim McDermott

(Pictured: Representative McDermott-WA)

Statement by Rep. Jim McDermott (WA)
In Strong Support of an Office of National Nurse

As a medical doctor, I know firsthand about the enormous contributions nurses make every day to the care and well being of patients. And, I'm worried about the shortage of nurses who play such a vital role in our health care system-a role that ought to be expanding, especially in a time of skyrocketing health care costs. That's why I co-sponsored H.R. 4903 to establish an Office of a National Nurse. America needs more nurses, and a National Nurse would be a great role model, and encourage more people to join this noble profession.

Sharing Your Tips for Health With America

Pictured: Melanie Watson RN

This tip comes from Melanie Watson RN in New York.

As a night shift worker for the past 12 years, proper nutrition is essential to maintain a healthy and productive lifestyle. Eat and drink properly so that you do not start your night shift hungry and dehydrated. Ideally you should try to maintain a similar eating pattern to one you would follow if you were working during the day. For more nutrition tips visit http://www.mypyramidgov.

1. Nicholas Harrocks MS and Roy Pounder MD. Working the night shift: preparation, survival, and recovery.

Please email teri@nationalnurse.info if you have a tip for healthy living you would like to share.

Evidence-based Projects Involving Nursing at St. Joseph Hospital, Orange California

St. Joseph Hospital
Nursing Evidence-based Projects

1. Assessment of community based smoking/tobacco cessation training program for healthcare professionals

Investigators: Tim Chen, PharmD; Pamela Matten R.N., O.C.N.; Siu-fun Wong, PharmD

Purpose: To determine the effectiveness of a community based tobacco cessation training program for healthcare professionals.
Methods: Rx for Change: Clinician-Assisted Tobacco Cessation is a 7-8 hr tobacco cessation training program designed for use in pharmacy schools. Using the basis of Rx for Change, a 3-hour modified multidisciplinary program, incorporating 2-hour lecture-based module (behavioral counseling and pharmacotherapy) and 1-hour interactive session with role-playing, will be held 3 times per year. Initial program participants will be inpatient nurses. Due to the nature of the nurses’ patient contact, the program will emphasize on first 4 of the 5A’s (Ask, Advise, Assess, Assist, Arrange). Outcomes research evaluating the effectiveness of the training program will be conducted using pre, post, and follow-up surveys at 3, 6, and 12 month.

2. Time and motion study to evaluate the costs of cardioversion for atrial fibrillation

Investigators: Suzanne A. Feigofsky, MD; Donald J. Mahon, MD; Warren D. Johnston, MD; Tyson Cobb, MD; Thomas Kim, MD; Mila Garcia, NP; Beverly Niemeyer, RN

Purpose: The goals of this study are to quantify costs of both direct current cardioversion and pharmacologic cardioversion for treating atrial fibrillation and to evaluate the responsiveness of two new questionnaires to assess the symptoms and health-related quality of life impact of atrial fibrillation.

3. Oral care attitudes in ICU nurses

Investigator: Dana Rutledge, RN, PhD

Purpose: To obtain information about current oral care practice; oral care training; and nurses’ attitudes related to oral care in intensive care unit.
Methods: This comparative pre/post study aims to describe oral care practices, training, and nurses’ attitudes along with VAP rates before and after the implementation of an evidence-based oral care protocol in intensive care units (ICU) at a community hospital. The research sample consists of RNs working the intensive care units (ICU). Nurses will be evaluated for attitudes and knowledge about oral care before and after a change in oral care practices. VAP rates in ICUs 3 months prior to an oral care protocol change and those 3 months after will be compared.

4. Examining the factor that influence males decisions to choose nursing as a career

Investigator: Sabrina Valentine, RN, BSN

Purpose: To explore the factors that influence men to enter nursing as a
career.

5. Knowledge and attitudes assessment toward pain management of registered nurses at St. Joseph Hospital

Investigators: Maureen Mikuleky, RN; Dana Rutledge, RN, PhD; Carmen Belasario, RN; Shivi Dixit, RN, BSN

Purpose: To determine the current knowledge and attitudes of St. Joseph Hospital registered nurses by shift and department. Based upon the unit-based knowledge and attitudes, to develop and implement unit-specific educational interventions, and then, reevaluate unit-based knowledge and attitudes toward pain management.

6. Presenting symptoms for acute coronary syndrome study

Investigators: Beth Winokur, RN, MSN, CEN; Joseph Barrea, RN, BSN; Amy Waunch, RN, MSN, CEN; John Senteno, RN, BSN

Purpose: To describe presenting symptoms of patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) admitted to the emergency department, and to describe symptoms by sex and by ethnic groups. Also, to determine if patients with ACS who desire interviews in a language other than English differ in the symptoms reported on 2nd (non-initial) interview done by a person speaking the patient’s language.

7. CalNOC Partners for Quality TRIP to Reduce Hospital Falls
Investigators: Kathleen Penzes, R.N.
(Include in summary – no info in IRB other than policies)

8. Clinical Narratives: Evaluation for Components of Caring

Investigators: Dana Rutledge, PhD, RN

Purpose: To analyze clinical narratives written by nurses at St. Joseph Hospital.
Methods: This descriptive study aims to analyze clinical narratives written by nurses at St. Joseph Hospital in order to determine the following questions.
1. What types of patient care experiences do nurses consider as “a clinical experience that reflects an incident in which they feel their intervention or their relationship with their patient made a difference “?
2. To what extent do the narrative experiences describe specific caring behaviors by nurses (e.g., spending time with the patient, being hopeful for the patient)?
3. To what extent are the five dimensions of Watson’s Theory of Caring reflected in the narratives?
4. Do narratives of nurses who are less experienced (new graduates or orientees) differ in terms of the caring dimensions than are narratives of experienced nurses at St. Joseph Hospital?
5. If a difference is present, does the magnitude of the difference change over time (as the Watson Model is incorporated into care at St. Joseph Hospital)?

9. Emergency Department Pediatric Temperature Study

Investigators:Amy Waunch, MSN, CEN, FNP, Michael Vicioso, RN; Christine Marshall, RN, MSN, Beth Winokur, RN, MS, CEN

Purpose: To compare temple thermometer readings in emergency department patients 17 and younger with oral, rectal, and axillary temperature. A study sub-aim is: Inpatients who have received antipyretics, to evaluate the presence of a “lag” in any temperature measure (oral, rectal, axillary, temporal) compared to the others due to physiologic responses to the antipyretic.
Design: A correlational comparative study is proposed.
Sample: In the SJH ED, 300 pediatric patients 4 – 17 years of age (Group 2) and 300 infants and children less than 4 years (Group 1) will be invited to join the study. In order to gain maximal variability in temperature, children most likely to have fever will be preferentially recruited.

10. Patients on 96hrs Continuous Ventilation in ICU: Improving Interdisciplinary Communication and Ethical Decision Making

Investigators: Carmen Ferrell, RN, MS

Purpose: To determine the effects of early ethics interventions in intensive care patients on the ventilator 96 continuous hours on improved team communication and decision making in accord with patient preferences.
Methods: SJH intensive care units will be part of a St. Joseph Health System project to determine the effects of a chaplain/nurse proactive ethics consultancy for patients who have been on 96 hours of continuous ventilation.

Sample: ICU patients who have been ventilated for 96 hours
Setting: All SJH intensive care units (medical, coronary care unit, cardiovascular ICU)
Design: Pre/post evaluation of chart audits on measures to include demographic data (age, ethnicity, race, religion, admitting diagnosis, discharge diagnosis), cost parameters (ventilator days, ICU days, total LOS), issues and decisions communicated and documented.
Intervention: Proactive ethics consultation will occur during daily ICU rounds and will be led by either a chaplain, or Carmen Ferrell, a nursing director. The consultation will occur following chart review that explores the following 7 questions:
• Has the patient created or expressed any directions with respect to treatment?
• Is the patient currently competent?
• Is the patient, the whole team and the family aware of patient’s current diagnosis, prognosis, treatment objectives and alternatives?
• Do any treating physicians anticipate hurdles to recovery. What are they and what are the indicators of response to treatment.
• Is there any discussion or concerns about the limits of treatment for this patient?
• Are the ethical issues identified and understood in the Ready Reference Grid?
• Are there any unaddressed issues regarding patient care, management, patient preferences, or communication?

During rounds, the consultants will raise issues arising in conversations about issues arising from the above questions. These consultants will facilitate ethics discussion on issues arising from the questions. They will assist in the decision making process and bring to the surface difficult questions. If a difficult care dilemma is not easily resolved, the consultants will follow standard protocols per SJH (e.g., palliative care consult), and if necessary, obtain formal consultation through the ethics consultation (ACES) This is the end of the consultation.
Issues raised, discussion ensuing, and outcomes will be charted in the progress notes of the patient record. The attending physician will document necessary decisions/orders.
The intervention will last for 3 months.


11. Conference – October 13, 2006
“Pain Solutions Evidence-based Approaches to the Care of Persons Experiencing Pain”

Conference committee: Dana Rutledge, Peggy Walsh, Geri Westad, Pati Hagen, Pam Riley, Peggy Delmastro, Meri Van Gordon, Shivi Dixit, April Beachler, Vivian Norman, Nickol Frantzich, Mary Welly, Melissa Ogata, Jill Donaldson (Mission Hospital), Gloria Franklin (St. Jude Medical Center), Karen Savage.

Program Objectives:
· Discuss the relationship of scientific evidence to clinical recommendations in pain management
· Describe clinical issues and initiatives related to pain management
· Apply evidence in discussions with clinical cases

Rejuvenation of the Nursing Spirit

Pictured: Alisa Schneider-a renewed nurse

Rejuvenation: to revitalize, refresh, restore, renew

Do you remember the excitement you felt when you completed your nursing education? For many it was also a relief, for some there was fear yet you knew you were entering into something inspiring, fantastic, and powerful. As you worked your first job you gained the skills to prioritize and communicate effectively. You saw your interventions have an effect on your patients, and although you went home spent, you were full of pride.

Unfortunately, over time you may have become less than inspired by the realities of the work, and you see how fantastically absurd it is that the health of our people has deteriorated over time in despite the financial, technological, and intellectual capabilities we have gained that were meant to advance the state of our country's healthcare system. As a nurse you may now struggle to have an effect on your patients lives as they briefly come in and out of yours and the power you once felt for making changes to improve their health may be waning.

But there is hope...

Nurses from across the country just like you are reporting to us that an Office of the National Nurse to lead the delivery of preventive health message to every American has revitalized their nursing spirit.

We are hearing the following comments from supporters:

I am in support of the National Nurse position. Having served as the Medical Operations Chief in Houston, Texas during Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, it has been proven that nursing is in a position to provide coordination, collaboration and direction during our some of our country's greatest challenges.

Nurses can significantly improve the health of our nation through education and community outreach.

Who knows better than the nurses working in the field to know the real problems faced by our patients and us as well?

Nurses can make a difference! Give us that chance to show you, and help turn the healthcare dollar waste around.

Nurses do have a voice in making change. We have the power to contribute to improving the health of all people. Joining this effort is a direct way to do this and refresh your excitement for your profession. Join us by contacting your US Congressional Representatives to urge them to co-sponsor HR 4903, the National Nurse Act of 2006. Let them know you want to see preventive health services delivered to every American by the most trusted health service providers-Nurses!

Also let the nursing organizations that represent you know that you would like them to share this effort with their constituent members so that all nurses can join in the discussion and have an opportunity to restore their nursing spirit.

Constituents Commend Representative Grijalva (AZ)

Pictured: Representative Raul Grijalva (AZ)

The National Nurse Team has heard from several of Representative Grijalva's constituents praising his co-sponsorship of HR 4903 and his recognition of the work performed by the nation's nurses. Here is Representative Grijalva's statement:

"Our country is currently facing a nursing shortage, which will negatively impact the public health in our country. As nurses are the backbone and safety net of our medical world, we need to improve the awareness, education, and visibility of nurses. This bill seeks to improve the health, economy, and security of our country by recognizing the crucial role Nurses perform in our daily well-being.

That is why I am co-sponsoring legislation to create the Office of the National Nurse. The National Nurse will be tasked with increasing public awareness about health care issues as well as encouraging individuals to join, and remain in the nursing profession."

Posters, Buttons, Mugs, Bears and More

The National Nurse Team urges you to email teri@nationalnurse.info to receive this free poster. You will need an Adobe Reader program on your computer to open and print this.

National Nurses Week is May 6-12th. To help you celebrate or honor your favorite nurse, consider stopping by
the National Nurse Cafe Press website and purchasing a button, bear, mousepad, poster, bumpersticker or mug. There is a very small profit margin for the National Nurse Campaign but these extra dollars help with long distance phone calls, the email newsletter data base, and printing and mailing costs. Your small contributions are helping to keep this effort strong.

HR 4903 is a 100% grassroots effort which means the campaign is not being run by "professional" lobbyists or organizations. Even our book keeper, accountant, and webmasters are volunteers. The team hired a lawyer and formed the National Nursing Network Organization; this is now a non-profit coorporation and not tax-exempt, so contributions are not tax-deductible. The rationale for doing this is to keep the campaign "clean" and also to assure that the team may lobby legally.

Teri, Alisa, and Terri cannot thank you enough for all of the supportive emails, comments, and suggestions. Nursing is TEAMWORK, and when we work together, we deliver the best care to assure positive outcomes for our patients; in this case it will be the American public!

Advanced Practice Institute: Promoting Adoption of Evidence-Based Practice

Iowa City, Iowa, September 20-22, 2006 will be the site of the next Advanced Practice Institute: Promoting Adoption of Evidence-Based Practice. This program, developed by Marita G. Titler, PhD, RN, FAAN and Laura Cullen, RN, MA, has a small-group focus, is customized to meet individual needs, and is for nurses in leadership positions who are responsible for promoting EBP within their organizations.
Offered by the Department of Nursing Services and Patient Care at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics since 2002, this Institute repeatedly generates positive comments like, "Great, usable workshop"; "This was the best group I have been involved with for a long time"; "Fabulous!"; "So impressed with the scheduling and program".

For more information or brochure http://www.uihealthcare.com/depts/nursing/rqom/evidencebasedpractice/apinstitute.html

Grace Rempel, Clerk
Nursing Research, Quality and Outcomes Management
University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics
200 Hawkins Drive, T-100 GH
Iowa City, IA 52242-1009
319-384-6737

A Tool for Quantifying Organizational Support for Evidence-based Practice Change

This article, A Tool for Quantifying Organizational Support for Evidence-based Practice Change in Journal of Nursing Care Quality 21(2):110-113, April-June 2006 by Mary Friel Fanning (fanningm@rcbbsc.wvu.edu) and Dororthy W Oakes describes the need for a tool to be used in quantifying the use of labor and nonlabor supplies in a nursing research program. The tool developed by these authors and their team at West Virginia University Hospitals, the Record of Contribution form may be useful to other healthcare leaders who wish to quantify their organization's committment to ongoing nursing research. Saint Joseph Hospital of Orange and CHOC staff may read the full text of this article by logging in to this journal via the library's web site.

Words of Support From Congresswoman Darlene Hooley (OR)

Pictured: Congresswoman Darlene Hooley (OR)

Thank-you Congresswoman Hooley for joining the growing list of co-sponsors in Congress who support HR 4903, the National Nurse Act of 2006.

Congresswoman Hooley shares with us these words: "I'm honored to add my name to the National Nurse Act of 2006. It's particularly relevant now, as we learn from the Hurricane Katrina catastrophe and prepare for the ever-evolving avian flu threat. A National Nurse Office would be an invaluable resource during a time of crisis in coordinating emergency response efforts and disseminating vital information to the public."

National Nurse Team Presents In Orange County

The National Nurse Team will be presenting at the American Association of Community College's National Convention on Sunday, April 23, 2006. Unfortunately, this event is closed to the public.

However, Alisa and Teri are looking forward to speaking during the lunch hour on Monday, April 24th, beginning at 11:30 am at the Orange County Chapter of the American Red Cross located at 601 N. Golden Circle in Santa Ana. Interested nurses and members of the public are encouraged to attend this free event as space allows. Bring a brown bag lunch and join us. To RSVP, please call Susan at (714) 834-8309.

Also, the team just heard that the meeting at the Orange County Employees Association that begins at 0930 is also open to the public:
830 N. Ross Street
(Corner of Ross and Civic Center)
Santa Ana, CA 92701
Please RSVP (714) 835-3355
www.oceamember.org

From Oregon To Maine

(Pictured: Alisa Schneider in Representative Tom Allen's Office)

During Spring Break, Alisa traveled to Maine and met with the legislative aides of Representatives Allen and Michaud. These visits are a great way of informing members of Congress about house resolution 4903. Over 14,000 bills are introduced into the House of Representatives during a session, so the best way to bring attention to proposals you want to see receive a hearing is to call and visit your elected member of Congress. Remember a constituent is a voter.

The National Nurse Team is hearing from nurses all over the United States who want to see a change in how we deliver the message of health promotion and prevention to the nation. Nurses and supporters are making appointments with their own U.S. Representatives to urge them to co-sponsor HR 4903, the National Nurse Act of 2006.

These visits are making a difference, and we anticipate there will be more than seven co-sponsors once Congress resumes the second session. Co-sponsors may only be added when the House is in session.

Congressional members are out for Easter recess the next two weeks and will be home in their district. If you would like materials about the Office of the National Nurse that can be put into a packet you can deliver to your own Representative, email teri@nationalnurse.info

The team also has a poster that can be sent via email to let your co-workers know about the campaign and function of the Office of the National Nurse.

Heart surgery patients show no benefit when strangers pray for their recovery

According to the latest study on intercessory prayer in the April 2006 issue of American Heart Journal, heart surgery patients who had strangers pray for them did not incur fewer postoperative complications.

This controversial study should generate some great blogging!!

New Class! An Evidence Based Approach to the Care of the Psychiatric Patient

Department of Clinical Education Presents:
An Evidence Based Approach to the
Care of the Psychiatric Patient
Course Description:
This 4-hour class will examine psychiatric patient care issues concerning mood disorders, schizophrenia and agitation. Through the use of interactive lecture and case studies, the participant will be introduced to evidence based treatment modalities that are applicable to care issues in BHS, the Emergency Department, and the Critical Care and Medical/Surgical Units. Class content is appropriate for healthcare providers, specifically those with RN, MFT or LCSW Certification and in Spiritual Care.
Course Objectives:
Upon successful completion of the course, the participants should be able to:
Describe the presentation of patients in the depressed and manic phases of mood disorders.
Outline appropriate in hospital management for schizophrenic patients.
Evaluate treatment plans for patients with a history of aggressive behavior.

Speakers:
Himasiri DeSilva, MD
Vinayak Shanbhag, MD
Michael Wu, MD
Shelly Aguilar, RNC
Jeannine Loucks, RNC
Christine Pierce, RNC
Coordinators:
Beth Winokur, RN, MSN, CEN
Linda Winston, MFT, CEAP

General Information:
May 3, 2006
(8:00 am-12:00 pm)
St. Joseph Hospital, Orange, California
Zoul Auditorium
$15 refundable registration fee for SJHS Staff. All others $40.
Provider approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider Number 00156. Four (4) Contact Hours will be given for this course. Administrator of the CE Program is Patti Aubé, RN, MSN. The California LVN Board will accept credits that have been approved by the California BRN.
This course has been approved by the California Board of Behavioral Examiners PCE Number 1276.

Registration For: Evidence Based Approach to Psychiatric Care – May 3, 2006
Name:_________________________________
License #:______________________________
Address:______________________________
Organization:___________________________
City/State/Zip:________________________
Position/Unit:___________________________
Home Phone:____________________________
Work Phone:____________________________
All participants should make their checks payable to St. Joseph Hospital Department of Clinical Education, and mail them along with the above registration form to 1100 West Stewart Drive, Orange, California 92868. Refunds will be given if the request is received prior to the start of the course. No refunds will be given after the course has started. A refundable $15 registration is required for all St. Joseph Hospital, CHOC, and St. Joseph Health System employees. Refunds will be given upon completion of the class.

A Window of Opportunity

Congress begins a two week recess this coming Monday, and the National Nurse Campaign begins an intense two weeks of lobbying to build momentum for HR 4903, the National Nurse Act of 2006.

Many of you have written you would like to help in this process, but have never met with your US Representative and are unsure how to go about doing this. Here are some easy step by step instructions to follow to help facilitate this and to make your visits successful.

1. First, find out who your Representative is by inserting your zip code. This website will then take you directly to the name, and by clicking on this link, you will find out the location and phone number for the office closest to you.

2. Call the office and say, "I am a constituent of Representative ___ and a supporter of HR 4903, the National Nurse Act of 2006. I would like to make an appointment to meet with Representative ___ within the next two weeks to discuss the bill to determine if Representative ___ will co-sponsor this important piece of legislation."

3. If your Representative is not available, ask for an appointment with the health policy aide. Often a meeting with the health policy aide is even more effective, since healthcare is their area of expertise.

4. After your appointment is confirmed, email teri@nationalnurse.info to receive materials, including talking points and journal editorials.

5. Print these articles in the comfort of your own home.

6. Take these with you to your visit, along with two or three supporters of HR 4903. A small group is very effective, especially if they too are voters in the Representative's district.

7. At the conclusion of the visit, ask if you can count on the Representative co-sponsoring HR 4903. If yes, great, but if unsure, ask when a good time would be to get back to their office staff.

8. Write a thank you and be sure to follow up with any information that might be helpful in answering questions that you weren't completely sure you answered as well as you thought.

9. Pat yourself on the back for a job well done and know you made a difference in helping to move the bill forward.

Save the Date!! St. Joseph Hospital's Nursing Research Council presents:

Pain Solutions:

Evidence-Based Approaches to the
Care of Persons Experiencing Pain
October 13, 2006
7:30am to 4:30pm

Keynote Speaker
Kathleen Puntillo, RN, DNSc, FAAN

For more information or to receive a brochure, please contact St. Joseph Hospital's
Clinical Education Department at 714/771-8000, ext 7495
or email Cheri.Cancelliere@stjoe.org

Orange, California

Thank You Mt. Wachusett Community College

The National Nurse Team would like to thank Mt. Wachusett Community College for sponsoring last Friday's conference on HR 4903, The National Nurse Act of 2006. Alisa and Teri especially want to thank all of the students who were in attendance. The students demonstrated excellent critical thinking skills by the questions they asked and we look forward to welcoming them to our profession.

Teri and Alisa also met with several leaders in Massachusetts and discussed ways the National Nurse Team programs could be run in their community.

If you have a conference you would like Teri and Alisa to speak at please email teri@nationalnurse.info.

The team is also interested in receiving health tips to keep Americans healthy. Be sure to send us your citation, name, title, state you live in, as well as a jpg picture in small format. Yes, student nurses are welcome to participate!