july, august, september 2013 vermont nurse connection ...davis publishing agency, inc., 517...

July, August, September 2013 Vermont Nurse Connection •

Race for Relevance Continues:

Carol Hodges, MSN, RN-BC

In the last issue of the Vermont Nurse Connection (VNC), I wrote about how the American Nurses Association (ANA) in their “Race for Relevance” was in the process of simplifying their national structure. Earlier this year on the Nursing World website, the ANA posted a list of their core values and strategic plan. The strategic plan includes looking at innovative methods of implementing programs, products and services to strengthen constituent and state nurses associations. The eight (8) (Leadership, Cornerstone Documents, Scope of Practice, Care Innovation, Quality, Work Environment, Safe Staffing, and Healthy Nurse) pillars are framed with the base of Professional Development and topped with Advocacy. There is some ground for commonality with these pillars and the work of nurses in Vermont. I believe that on any given day in our work lives, as nurses we focus on issues in any, if not all of these areas. Yet with the hustle and bustle of our busy

current resident or

Presort StandardUS Postage

PAIDPermit #14

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Volume 16 • Number 3 July, August, September 2013Vermont State Nurses’ Association Official Publication

2013 Annual Convention

Page 9

Nurses Day at the State House

Page 10

Inside...

Index

Baby Boomer Nurses Redefining Retirement . . . 3

Personal and Financial Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

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

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

Found on the Web . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

What is the Future of Nursing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Letter to the Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

University of Vermont Palliative Care Nurses Practitioner Fellowship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Vermont State Nurses’ Foundation – Honor a Nurse Campaign . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

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

Nurses’ Day at the State House . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Legislative Interest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Vermont Nurse Connection

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

President’s Message

Carol Hodges

lives, we sometimes forget that there are a multitude of resources and support systems available to us.

While all ten program areas have equal value, I feel it is advocacy that is often undervalued; yet it has been a strong arm in the history of nursing. The VSNA’s Committee on Government Affairs is pivotal in providing the VSNA Lobbyist with valued positions on various legislations, and in turn the lobbyist provides the committee and members with an open view of what is going on in the current legislative session. VSNA’s Legislative Day is just one example of how we as an organization provide all nurses with the opportunity to participate in observing our state governance at work. After attending Legislative Day this year, a student nurse verbalized how the experience had made her realize the importance of sharing “our” voices with Legislators. While this may sound like a mundane statement to you, she was actually supporting data that was posted on the ANA website. The survey of congressional staff voting criteria, showed that 96% of all participants (N=260) were most influenced on information provided by in-person visits from constituents, which was a higher influence level than an in-person visit by the lobbyist (82%). The least amount of influence was comments on social media and from faxes/emails, which was consistent with the information that was shared with those in attendance at this year’s Legislative Day Presentation.

On March 25th, registration for the 2013 Membership Assembly Meeting officially opened. I am especially interested in the Lobby Day Briefing and Capitol Hill Visits that are planned for all representatives. Enjoy your summer and I hope to see you all at Convention this fall!

Save the Dates2013 National Bike ChallengeMay 1 – September 30, 2013nationalbikechallenge.org

5th Annual Nursing ResearchEvidence-Based Practice Symposium

CALL FOR ABSTRACTS

November 14-15, 2013

• Vermont Nurse Connection July, August, September 2013

Published by:Arthur L . Davis

Publishing Agency, Inc .

www .vsna-inc .org

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

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

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

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

Editor: Jean E. Graham

AdvertisingFor advertising rates and information, please contact Arthur L.

Davis Publishing Agency, Inc., 517 Washington Street, PO Box 216, Cedar Falls, Iowa 50613, (800) 626-4081, [email protected]. VSNA and the Arthur L. Davis Publishing Agency, Inc. reserve the right to reject any advertisement. Responsibility for errors in advertising is limited to corrections in the next issue or refund of price of advertisement.

Acceptance of advertising does not imply endorsement or approval by the Vermont State Nurses’ Association of products advertised, the advertisers, or the claims made. Rejection of an advertisement does not imply a product offered for advertising is without merit, or that the manufacturer lacks integrity, or that this association disapproves of the product or its use. VSNA and the Arthur L. Davis Publishing Agency, Inc. shall not be held liable for any consequences resulting from purchase or use of an advertiser’s product. Articles appearing in this publication express the opinions of the authors; they do not necessarily reflect views of the staff, board, or membership of VSNA or those of the national or local associations.

ContentVermont State Nurses’ Association welcomes unsolicited

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

VNC EditorialJean Graham

Voices of Vermont Nurses

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

100 Dorset Street, #13 South Burlington, Vermont 05403

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

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

Name: _________________________________________

Address: _______________________________________

City: ___________________________________________

State: __________________ Zip: ___________________

Deadlines for the Vermont Nurse Connection

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

Vol . 16 #4—July 22, 2013Vol . 17 #1—October 21, 2013

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hope to see you on the web!

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

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

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

Jean Graham, Editor

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a Baby Boomer nurse if she or he has not done their due diligence to plan for an enjoyable and rewarding retirement.

Choose a work that you love and you won’t have to work another day.—Confucius

Baby Boomers are healthier, better educated than their parents and are predicted to live longer than their parents even well into their 80s. That’s a lot of time to sit back in a rocking chair and take it easy. But Boomers aren’t interested in relaxing and rocking just yet. This is a generation that intends to stay active. Call it a “second act” or an “encore” career, but the fact is that millions of retirees are veering from the expected retirement routine – golf, garden, rinse and repeat – and launching a second career in their 60s, 70s and even 80s. A whopping 74 percent of workers plan to get a new job after they retire, according to the annual retirement expectations survey by the Employee Benefit Research Institute.2

Boomer nurses are asking themselves: • IsthissomethingthatImightwanttodo?• DoIhavewhatittakestoconsiderasecondcareer?• Is there really a way to start a second career and

still enjoy some of the time and travel benefits associated with “traditional” retirement?

What happens to a nurse when the thing she or he was born to do is over? Does that mean they no longer have a purpose? Are they then expendable to the world? Kevin Cashman suggests that purpose is life flowing through us and that sometimes we inhibit or ignore the flow, but it is always there seeking expression. How it manifests itself depends on our ability to open up to it and the particular circumstances we may be facing at the time. Purpose is constant. The manifestation of purpose is always changing (Cashman, 1998).3

With a nursing shortage still looming and the relentless changes in the delivery of healthcare, Baby Boomer nurses are looking to write their own second career ticket whether it be teaching, consulting, mentoring, volunteering or branching out into other opportunities. In the last thirty years, Boomer nurses have been drawn to all types of healthcare organizations. They have instituted most of the policies, procedures and structures that govern healthcare organizations today. They have held management positions which is why given the choice, they prefer to work for a manager (if they can’t be the manager) who knows and cares for them personally. They tend to perform best for managers who treat their employees as equals, managers who let them feel they are in charge of something or at least empowered to dabble in everything.4 This makes them ideal employees because they have vast amounts of knowledge they can apply to their work. Many of the nursing skills and knowledge they have obtained over the years makes them easier to

Baby Boomer Nurses Redefining RetirementDo You Hear the Rumble of Applause for a Second Act?

Priscilla Smith-Trudeau,MSN, RN, BSN, CRRN, CCM

Sooner or later I’m going to die, but I’m not going to

retire.—Margaret Mead

Forty percent of the nursing workforce is on the verge of retiring.1 Lately it seems like everywhere I turn, I am either working with or socializing with nurses who are either dreaming, talking about or planning their retirement. During the recession of 2008 and the years that followed, the topic of retirement also went into recession. Now that the economy has shifted to a more positive outlook Baby Boomers have returned to the planning and actual exiting of the workforce ready to dive into sleeping late, working out at the gym, traveling, leisure pursuits, visiting with friends and family, and writing their memoirs. Sounds good to me, where do I sign up?

The harder you work, the harder it is to surrender.Vince Lombardi

Baby Boomer nurses are extremely h a r d w o r k i n g , achievement-oriented, dedicated and career-focused. They welcome exciting, challenging projects and strive to make a difference. They have a history of working long hours, double-shifts and define themselves by their professional accomplishments and the sacrifices they made to get there. They are confident, independent and self-reliant. They grew up in an era of reform and believed they could change the world and still believe they can. They questioned established authority systems and challenged the status quo. They are not afraid of confrontation and will not hesitate to challenge established practices. It does not seem likely that this generation will be able to retire taking their pensions, social security, 401K’s riding off into the sunset never to be heard from again.

Once a nurse, always a nurse.Anonymous

Why do I get up in the morning? How would you answer that question on the first day of retirement? Imagine lying in bed asking that question and realizing that you may have another 25 to 30 years to live. Our purpose and passions as nurses have defined us, inspired us, empowered us and ultimately given our lives meaning beyond merely existing. If it is true for some nurses that once a nurse, always a nurse it may be a difficult transition to accepting life rather than grabbing onto it for all you can. How does a nurse go from saving lives to uninspiring day-to-day routines offering no true fulfillment? I don’t know the answer to that question, but it can happen to

Priscilla Smith-Trudeau

Baby Boomer Core Values• Optimism• TeamOrientation• Health&Wellness• PersonalGrowth• Youth• Work• Involvement

This is the true joy in life, the being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one...the being a force of nature instead of a feverish, selfish little clod of ailments and grievances complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy.—George Bernard Shaw

10 Key Principles in Recruiting and Retaining Baby Boomers.

1. Let them know their experience will be valued.

2. Provide them with challenging work.3. Stress that your organization is

a warm, humane place to work, though still a dynamic environment.

4. Show them how they make a difference.

5. Provide them developmental work and assignments.

6. Give them a chance to prove themselves.

7. Ask questions to get to the issues.8. Reward their work ethic.9. If you are blaming; they aren’t

listening.10. Coach tactfully.

train for their second act because they can draw on their years of experience to get the job done. Retiring nurses still care and are naturally committed to the well-being of others. Being retired doesn’t mean there is a lack of energy or enthusiasm about being a nurse. Some Boomers embarking on the second act will say they are just hitting their stride (just ask one). In many cases they persevere even more. It is the work. It has always been about the purpose of the work.

The one thing that you have that nobody else has is you. Your voice, your mind, your story, your vision. So write and draw and build and play and dance and live as only you can. Neil Gaiman

Do you hear the rumble of applause for aBaby Boomer nurse second act?

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

______________________1 Buerhaus PI. Current and future state of the US

nursingworkforce. JAMA. 2008;300:2422-2424.2 10 Second Career Ideas for Retirees, Dan Roos http://

www.howstuffworks.com/second-career-ideas/10-second-career-ideas-for-retireees.htm.

3 Cashman, K., (1998), Leadership from the Inside Out, LeaderSource, Minneapolis, MN

4 Zemke, R., Raines, C. & Filipczak, B. (2000).Generations at work: Managing the clash of Veterans, Boomers, Xers, and Nexters in your workplace. New York: AMACOM.

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Personal & Financial HealthBlood Pressure: How to Keep it Healthy

Submitted by Martha McAuliffe, RN, BSNFletcher Allen Health Care

Employer Health Management/Wellness

According to the CDC, an estimated 68 million Americans have high blood pressure and half of them do not have it under control. Over time, an elevated blood pressure can lead to heart attack, stroke, kidney damage and other organ damage. High blood pressure is often symptomless leading many people to leave the condition untreated. This is why high blood pressure is often referred to as “the silent killer.” Knowing your blood pressure level is the first step in reducing your risk for many illnesses.

The good news is that high blood pressure does not develop overnight. Making simple, yet effective, changes to your lifestyle, both at home and at work, can help prevent the development of high blood pressure. If you have already been diagnosed with pre-hypertension or hypertension, it is not too late to make lifestyle changes that can help you achieve and maintain a healthy blood pressure. As caregivers, we have a responsibility to care for ourselves so that we can better care for others!

What Can You Do?

1) Get your fruits and veggies . Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables is an important way to prevent and control high blood pressure. Potassium* has been found to be beneficial to blood pressure. Bananas, sweet potatoes, green leafy vegetables, legumes and dried apricots are all good sources of potassium. In addition to fruits and veggies, focus on low-fat dairy products, whole grains, fish, poultry and beans. Many agencies recommend the DASH diet guidelines (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension).

*Increased potassium intake is contraindicated for some medical conditions. Consult with your

primary care provider before increasing your potassium intake.

2) Watch your sodium intake . Salt can raise blood pressure for many people. Salt is added to many foods not only for flavor, but also as a preservative. Therefore, salt hides in many foods that don’t necessarily taste salty (cottage cheese, sauces, frozen and canned foods). The American Heart Association recommends consuming no more than 1500mg – 2300mg of sodium daily (that’s about the amount in two cups of chicken noodle soup!).

3) Maintain a healthy weight . A larger body requires more blood and therefore more force to get the blood to circulate around the body. According to the Mayo Clinic, losing just 5 pounds, if you are overweight, can lower your blood pressure. Weight loss will often occur as a result of following a heart healthy diet and by meeting the recommended exercise guidelines of at least 150 minutes per week of moderate physical activity. Exercise also strengthens the heart, making it pump more efficiently.

4) Keep your cool . Although it is not clear if stress leads to high blood pressure over the long-term, it does cause temporary spikes. In addition, many people respond to stress by overeating, smoking or drinking alcohol, all of which can directly cause high blood pressure. There are many ways to manage stress in a healthy way. Take time out to breathe, go for a walk, do some yoga or stretching and make sure you get enough sleep.

How Can You Do It?

If the above list seems overwhelming to you, keep in mind that making 2 or 3 small lifestyle changes can make a big difference over time. Try to:

• Quitsmoking

• Bring a healthy lunch and snacks from homeinstead of relying on take-out or vending machines. Make sure to take time to TAKE your lunch break.

• Doahealthyrecipeswapwithyourcoworkersandfriends.

• Pay attention to nutrition labels and portion sizes.www.choosemyplate.gov is a great resource for healthy eating, cooking and weight management.

• Focusonbuyingfreshorfrozenvegetablesinsteadof canned. If you must buy canned vegetables, make sure to rinse them first.

• Sedentary job? Stand when you use the phone oruse a rise for your computer so you can stand while you work.

• Takethestairsinsteadoftheelevator.

• Chooseaparkingspot that isat the farendof theparking lot, or consider walking or biking to work.

• Insteadofmeetingfriendsfordinner, findagroupactivity to do (i.e. go for a hike, bike ride, skiing).

• Participateinacompanysportsteam(softball,relayteam).

• Learndeepbreathingexercisesortakeayogaclass.

Sources:

American Heart Association – www.heart.org

Center for Disease Control – www.cdc.gov

Harvard Health Publications – Harvard Medical School – www.health.harvard.edu

Mayo Clinic – www.mayoclinic.com

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) – www.usda.gov

WISER`s “Too Good To Be True” ChecklistWomen’s Institute for a Secure Retirement

www.wiserwomen.orgCopyright ©2000-2013 WISER.

All rights reserved.http://www.wiserwomen.org/index.

php?id=147&page=WISER`s_”Too_Good_To_Be_True”_Checklist

Phrases and Promises that Probably Mean“It’s Too Good to Be True”

Here’s a check list of phrases that scam artists use and offers they make. Next time you hear one of these you can just say, “Sorry, I know it’s too good to be true.”

• “We’llgiveyouafree lunchandteachyouhowto invest your money .”

Don’t let a free lunch and some well-dressed, well-spoken sales persons pressure you. Don’t purchase financial products that you don’t understand or need.

• “I’ma‘SeniorCertifiedFinancialPlanner’andI have some wonderful investment products for a person just your age .”

Watch out for people using educational titles to convince you implying that they have been “certified” as experts in financial matters affecting seniors. There is no such designation.

• “You’ve just won $10,000. If you giveme yourbank account number, we can put it right in the bank for you .”

Never give out any account numbers to anyone over the phone or to anyone you don’t know.

• “Wecaneraseyourbadcreditscore.” You can take steps to pay down your debt and get

your finances back under control, but it will not be easy and it won’t be accomplished in a day. So, don’t pay someone who says that it can. They are probably trying to sell you a high interest loan.

• “TheIRShasmadeanerror inyour taxesandwill refund the money if you fill in your Social Security number on the attached form .”

This request may come in an official-looking envelope, but think about it; obviously the IRS already knows your Social Security number. Don’t fall for this one.

• “You’ve missed your jury duty. Just give meyour Social Security number in order to confirm that we have your current information so this won’t happen again .”

Don’t give your Social Security number to anyone over the phone. Get more information from the caller; do not feel pressured into giving out your personal information without verifying that their story is true.

Be Suspicious of Urgent Demands:

• “Youmustdeciderightnow.”

• “Justsignhere.”

• “All you have to do is give me your credit cardnumber to confirm.”

• “GivemeyourSocialSecuritynumberandwewillcorrect the error.”

• “You will regret it if you don’t accept this offerright now.”

• “Givemethecashupfront.”

Look out for your friends and loved ones . Here are some examples of what elder financial abuse looks like:(If you notice the following trends, it could be a sign of financial abuse .)

• failuretopaybills

• evictionnotices

• shut-offofutilities

• large amounts of money withdrawn or transferredfrom bank accounts

• missingpersonalproperty/belongings

• isolation of the elder from friends or other familymembers

• individual close to the elder having an increasedinterest in his/her financial situation

• abrupt changes in lifestyle such as unusualpurchases, lack of food, or unnecessary home repair

Take Action!* Adult Protective Services responds to reported

cases of elder abuse by investigating the claims and intervening to help the elder protect him/herself. Each state has a toll-free elder abuse hotline that you can call to report abuse, even if it is occuring in a facility. The National Center on Elder Abuse at the U.S. Administration on Aging has a website that lists resources by state: http://www.ncea.aoa.gov.

* You can also call the Eldercare Locator to connect you to local services that offer assistance at 1-800-677-1116.


Student News

Marilyn Rinker Leadership Scholarship Application

Application – 2013 deadline: March 25, 2013

Name: ______________________________________________________________

Address: _____________________________________________________________

Telephone #: ____________________ Email Address: ______________________

Vt RN Lic # _____________________ VONL member since _________________

School of Nursing: _____________________________________________________

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

Graduate school _______________________ 1st yr _________ 2nd year _________

expected date of graduation ______________

If employed in nursing, current employer ___________________________________

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

If yes please list the sources ______________________________________________

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

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

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

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

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

Student signature: ______________________________ Date: _________________

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

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

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

Advanced Degree Program Announcement

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

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

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

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

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

• Currentlyenrolledoraccepted inanaccreditedprogramthatwill lead toanadvanceddegree in nursing

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

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

available• Individualswithdemonstratedfinancialneed• Individualscurrentlyworkinginthefieldofnursingeducation

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

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

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

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

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


Continuing Education

OpportunitiesUpcoming Educational

Opportunities (Non-VSNA)

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

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

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

Location: Sheraton Conference CenterBurlington, VT

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

Location: The EquinoxManchester, VT

Quality ConferenceDate: 09/06/2013


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


Breast Cancer ConferenceDate: 10/04/2013


11th Annual Northern New England Critical Care Conference

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

Bridging the Divide ConferenceDate: November 2013

Location: Specific Location TBDBurlington, VT

General NewsFound on the Web

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

Resources for Research

http://datacenter.kidscount.org/KIDS COUNT, a project of the Annie E. Casey

Foundation, is a national and state-by-state effort to track the status of children in the United States. The online data center includes state- and city-level data for over 100 measures of child well-being, including all the measures regularly used in the popular KIDS COUNT Data Book. This easy-to-use, powerful online database allows you to generate custom reports for a geographic area (Profiles) or to compare areas on a topic (Ranking, Maps, and Line Graphs).

http://www.fedstats.gov/Fedstats: One Stop Shopping for Federal Statistics—

More than 100 agencies in the United States Federal Government produce statistics of interest to the public. The Federal Interagency Council on Statistical Policy

maintains this site to provide easy access to the full range of statistics and information produced by these agencies for public use.

http://www.ninr.nih.gov/National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR) Part of

the National Institutes of Health (NIH), NINR “supports and conducts clinical and basic research and research training on health and illness across the lifespan. The research focus encompasses health promotion and disease prevention, quality of life, health disparities, and end-of-life. NINR seeks to extend nursing science by integrating the biological and behavioral sciences, employing new technologies to research questions, improving research methods, and developing the scientists of the future.”

On the Lighter Side

http://www.rtstudents.com/rnstudents/rn-fun.htmThis page from RNstudents.com provides links to

many humorous looks at nursing. Includes cartoons, jokes, Murphy’s Law for Nurses, limericks, games, etc.

http://nurstoon.com/Nurstoon—This site has links to some very funny

cartoons. Scroll down the screen to see the entire list of cartoons available.

What is the Future of Nursing: Campaign for Action?

The Future of Nursing: Campaign for Action is a national initiative to guide implementation of the recommendations in The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health, a landmark Institute of Medicine (IOM) report.

The campaign envisions a health care system where all Americans have access to high-quality care, with nurses contributing to the full extent of their capabilities. It is coordinated through the Center to Champion Nursing in America (CCNA), an initiative of AARP, the AARP Foundation and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF).

The campaign includes 49 state Action Coalitions and a wide range of health care providers, consumer advocates, policy-makers, and business, academic and philanthropic leaders.

How did the Campaign for Action come to be?The Campaign for Action launched shortly after the

release of the IOM report, which was the product of a two-year effort by the IOM and RWJF, the Initiative on the Future of Nursing, to address the challenges facing the nursing profession. At the center of this effort was an 18-member expert committee led by former Health and Human Services Secretary Donna E. Shalala. The committee’s report provides a blueprint for transforming the nursing profession to improve the quality of health care and the way it is delivered. The Future of Nursing:

Campaign for Action builds on recommendations in The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health.

What did the IOM report say, and why is it important?The Future of Nursing identifies the nursing

profession—whose more than three million members make it the largest health care profession—as central to efforts to remake the U.S. health care system so that all Americans have access to high-quality and cost-effective care. To help achieve this, the report concludes that:

• Nurses should practice to the full extent of theireducation and training.

• Nurses should achieve higher levels of educationand training through an improved education system that promotes seamless academic progression.

• Nurses should be full partners, with physiciansand other health care professionals, in redesigning health care in the United States.

• Effective workforce planning and policy-makingrequire better data collection and an improved information infrastructure.

The report calls on the nation’s leaders and stakeholders to act on recommendations in these four key areas. Many nursing organizations have long been committed to strengthening their profession, and their past work provides much of the foundation for advancing the IOM recommendations.

Visit www.cedarhillccc.com

SEEKINGRNs, LPNs and LNAs

Call802-674-6609 or

send your resume toFax 802-674-5618

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

49 Cedar Hill DriveWindsor, VT 05089

We are currently hiring for various positions:• RegisteredNurses(Medical/Surgical) – Per Diem positions available• LicensedPracticalNurses• RegisteredNurse–Off-TourSupervisor• RegisteredNurse–InpatientMentalHealthEmployment at the VA Medical Center affords future members very competitive salaries and a comprehensive federal benefits package, with the key benefits of health care and life insurance coverage which continues into one’s retirement.

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

Ifyouhaveanyquestions,pleasecallHumanResourcesat(802)295-9363Ext.5350.

The Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center,

White River Jct., VT is an Equal Opportunity Employer

White RiveR Junction,veRmont

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Access Vermont Nurse Connection as well as over 5 years of 39 State Nurses Association and

Board of Nursing Publications.Contact us at (800) 626-4081 for advertising information.


General News

To the Editor,I wish to comment on Prisiclla Smith-Trudeau’s recent article “Cultivating a Fun

Culture” in the workplace. I think this editorial significantly misses the mark. The spontaneous, energetic, upbeat work environment she envisions comes from reasonable workloads, support for clinical growth and expertise, appropriate compensation and benefits, and having chosen personnel wisely in the first place.

It does not come by superimposing social events, or presuming each team member’s needs in this regard. There is an appropriate place for team-building activity or retreat, but this is not her focus.

When a professional is supported and encouraged to perform their role consistently at a high level, the rewards are many. This is a more genuine situation, in which work well done creates the environment rather than redefining the goals of a nursing team to include “fun.” Let’s focus on our enthusiasm for our work and our chosen profession stemming from the work well done, the depth of our collegial relationships, and our pride. Then the smiles are spontaneous and broad indeed.

Sincerely,

Claire K. Weis RN, BS

Dear Claire,Thank you for sharing your perspective on my article, Nurse Managers Cultivating

a Fun Culture. It is true that when nurses are fully engaged in their work and respect the people they work with, they enjoy what they are doing. It shows in the quality of their work. The achievement of excellent results creates satisfaction and even joy. The intention of the article was to educate nurses who have been recently promoted to leadership roles; nurses who are on a fast-track to being promoted in the near term; and seasoned managers who are looking for new ideas to cultivate a healthy, happy and robust workplace. The article was based on the belief that successful nurse leaders are continuously looking to improve upon and update their leadership style and skills. Managerial support is essential in creating a work atmosphere that is fun. If this article has helped any nurse looking to promote a fun culture, then I am enormously pleased.

Kind regards,Priscilla Smith-Trudeau MSM RN BSN CRRN CCM

Research Round-UpThe VNC welcomes the submission of nursing abstracts of publications, reports, theses

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

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

• NameandCredentialsofAuthor:

• Telephone#:

• Emailaddress:

• PlaceofEmployment:

• Position:

• Educationalinstitution(ifstudent):*

*Student Abstracts must be submitted by their school of nursing.Abstracts may be e-mailed to [email protected], or a hardcopy can be sent to the

VSNA, Inc, VNC Abstract, 100 Dorset Street, # 13, South Burlington, VT 05403.

Letter to the Editor

• CurrentYearofStudy:

• Facultycontactperson:

Name:

Telephone #:

Email address:

• Date:

VERMONT TECHNICAL COLLEGEIMMEDIATE OPENINGS

Professional Nursing Tutors—Part-time/casual tutor positions in anatomy, principles and practices of nursing, pharmacology, and respiratory therapy. Flexible hours. Work sites include Randolph Center, Bennington, Brattleboro, White River, Springfield, Williston, Lyndonville, Newport, Saint Albans. Course description may be viewed at http://www.vtc.edu/course-catalog.

Qualifications: Minimum requirement is associates degree in appropriate discipline with previous teaching and/or tutoringexperience preferred.

To Apply: Submit a completed Vermont Tech employment application, resume and cover letter to [email protected] orto Office of Human Resources, Vermont Technical College,P.O. Box 500, Randolph Center, VT 05601. Employment application is available on the Vermont Tech website at:www.vtc.edu/employment.


General NewsUniversity of Vermont Palliative Care

Nurse Practitioner FellowshipThe University of Vermont College of Nursing & Health Sciences in partnership

with Fletcher Allen Health Care and the Visiting Nurse Association’s End-of-Life-Care Program is offering a one-year, full-time Palliative Care advanced practice nursing fellowship. The fellow will train with Hospice and Palliative Care certified advanced practice nurses, physicians and clinical nurse specialists. The fellowship will provide comprehensive experiential learning in multiple settings including Fletcher Allen Hospital, Vermont Cancer Center, home care, skilled nursing facilities and an inpatient hospice facility, Vermont Respite House. Flexibility exists to adapt the curriculum to fellow’s interests and career goals. A structured curriculum covering symptom and disease management, communication skills, psychosocial and spiritual care is provided along with dedicated time for study and mentorship.

This Nurse Practitioner fellowship has been designed to align with the Standards for Clinical Practicum in Palliative Nursing for Practicing Professional Nurses (HPNA, 2006) and the Hospice and Palliative Nursing Scope and Standards of Practice (ANA, 2007). At completion, the fellow will be eligible for advanced practice certification-designation of Advanced Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse by the National Board for Certification of Hospice and Palliative Nurses. The position is salaried with full-time benefits.

This position is made possible by the generous gift from Holly and Bob Miller of Burlington, VT. The Palliative Care Miller Fellow will begin the program October 2013. Interviewing will begin in late May with selection by July 1. Applicants must have a Masters in Nursing or Doctorate of Nursing Practice and be licensed in the state of Vermont before beginning the fellowship.

For questions about the fellowship or to request an application please contact Mary Alice Giannoni, MSN, APRN, [email protected].

ANA/VSNA NewsVermont State Nurses’ Foundation —

Honor a Nurse CampaignNursing continues to be the most trusted profession as indicated in annual surveys. This attests to the collective contributions nurses make as they care for patients, families and communities. Efforts of individual nurses however deserve special recognition by colleagues, employers, patients, families and friends. There are many reasons to Honor a Nurse such as: To thank a mentor. To acknowledge excellent care given by a nurse to patient. To celebrate a milestone such as a birthday or retirement. To recognize a promotion. Just think for a moment, you will know a nurse to honor. Celebration: The honored nurses and the persons nominating them will be recognized at the Vermont State Nurses’ Association Convention in 2013. The honored nurses each will receive a certificate identifying the person recognizing her/him as well as the reason for the honor. Submit nominations by: September 1, 2013. All contributions are tax deductible to the full extent allowed by law. VSNF is a 501(c)3 organization. Nominations this year is online.

Please go here to nominate someone: http://goo.gl/Z054f.

Join Vermont State Nurses Association Today!

Visit www.vsna-inc.org for more information

Looking for a job in home health

anywhere in Vermont. Details at www.vnavt.com


ANA/VSNA NewsIS YOUR NURSING

ORGANIZATION PLANNINGAN EDUCATION PROGRAM?

CONSIDER APPLYING FOR CONTACT HOUR APPROVAL

FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL THE VSNA OFFICE @ (802)

651-8886

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

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

New MembersSept. 1, 2012 – Apr. 28, 2013

District 1Jamie BrillhartRebecca BrooklynRussell ChapmanJohn deBurloPatricia HammondAmanda HannahCeleste Kane-StebbinsSarah KostSamantha LaferriereJenn LanphearJennifer LongJanet MannyBonni MartinDeborah Maynard-PageCarole McCayChristina MelvinKatharine MurphyMonica OgelbyErin SavoyLisa SchafferDeborah Wachtel

District 2Kim Campbell

Meghan FloodSarah KennedyMolly KittredgeCarol Moore-Whitney

District 3Christopher BoucherJean ChickMargaret DavisStacy DeCesareRobin EkstromCathy KubecJody LesterAshley MarshHeather McKeagLinda MoyeEileen PlunkettPauline RheaumeKatherine RileyAndrew SemegramMargaret StanleyJulie StewartHeidi WhiteMargaret Young

2013 Annual Convention

Oct. 17-18Double Tree Hotel

South Burlington, VT

Watchwww.vsna-inc.org

for more information

Membership and Publicity Committee UpdateImportant Membership News

As you know, ANA has been in the midst of radical restructuring to make the organization more efficient, member friendly and responsive to member needs. As part of this restructuring, each state organization is also making dramatic changes. VSNA has been chosen to be part of a 2 year membership pilot with the Northeast Multi-State Division. This pilot program is expected to start this fall and the exciting part is there will be additional membership options including a reduced membership fee!!

This program will offer VSNA a wonderful opportunity to meet our overall goal of increasing membership penetration to 10%, just in time for our 100 year anniversary in 2014. To meet this goal, the membership committee plans to implement a Recruitment and Retention Raffle to entice current members to renew their membership and attract new members. The VSNA Recruitment and Retention Raffle will be an innovative progressive raffle with opportunities to win some

wonderful local merchant contributions. Expect to hear more about the raffle at the end of the summer via email.

Committee Goals:• EnsurethatVSNAremainsrelevanttotheneedsof

Vermont nurses• Retaincurrentmembers• Attractnewmemberstotheorganization• Increasevisibilityofnursesandtheroleweplayin

health care

The Membership Committee meets monthly to create and plan innovative strategies to meet our goals. Our membership continues to be strong and growing by a few members each quarter. Majority of our time is spent keeping up with the changes occurring at the national and regional level and preparing for a recruitment and retention innovative raffle.

Membership OptionsBecause of ANA organizational structure changes, how

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

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

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

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

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

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


ANA/VSNA NewsNurses’ Day At The State House

Submitted by Christine Ryan, RN, MSVSNA Lobbyist

Nurses and nursing students attended “Nurses’ Day” at the State House on April 18, 2013. The program goal for the event was to educate nurses and nursing students about current legislative health care issues and how to effectively advocate for nurses and the nursing profession within the political arena. Each year a topic for this educational opportunity is chosen based upon current health care legislation pertinent to nurses. Gun legislation and mental health services and access were in the national spotlight. For that reason, the decision was made to provide an opportunity for nurses to become better educated and participate in the dialogue related to the current approach to mental health care within the school setting. The speakers for the morning portion of the event presented a clinical perspective, a “how to” approach, and an update related to legislation of interest for nurses in Vermont.

Sharonlee Trefry, MSN, RN, NCSN, a state school nurse consultant at the Vermont Department of Health and Vermont Director to NASN, provided participants with an overview of what mental health looks like in schools, the role of the school nurse in mental health, and the role of the medical home. According to Sharonlee Trefry, MSN, RN, “school nursing is key to unlocking the secret to health-promotion modeling for today’s school children and tomorrow’s reduction in individual health care costs.”

Hinda Miller, a former Vermont State Senator, addressed the strategies of how best to communicate with our legislators. She just recently completed ten years

of service at the State House where she championed the creative/local/sustainable economy, complementary health care and social change. Hinda provided helpful and personal examples of her experiences working with the public and the political process. She strongly recommends being prepared with factual information, be positive and approachable, and keep your communication clear and simple.

I provided a brief overview of the American Nurses Association strategic themes from 2012 through 2014. The themes are as follows:

1. Simplify the national governance structure.

2. Strengthen constituent and state nurses associations and ANA enterprise infrastructure and relationships as well as support for state-based activities.

3. Create and implement a high-growth membership organization.

4. Develop and implement a focused menu of programs, products, and services based on programmatic pillars framework.

5. Develop an integrated business and technology platform.

Advocacy and professional development are the umbrella and the foundation for the programmatic pillars.

An update of current legislation was provided and then it was time to visit the State House. Attendees experienced a tour of the State House, had lunch, and visited the House Chamber. Representative Leigh Dakin, RN addressed the chamber and announced National Nurses Week, May 6-12, 2013. Nurses and nursing students were able to connect with members of the legislature and share their perspectives on nursing and health care issues.

What remains evident and continues to generate much conversation is that Vermont nurses are committed to ensuring that the nursing profession is responsive and provides leadership as our health care system evolves. Nurses want to see collaboration and a team approach within the health care arena from providing direct patient care to political and board room discussions about the architecture of how our state will continue to provide health care that is accessible, affordable, and of high quality. Increasing academic achievements within the nursing profession and continued education of the public, members of the legislature, and all other health care providers is necessary to ensure that the unique and vital role of the nurse is utilized to our profession’s full leadership capacity.

Nurses in Vermont made their presence known to members of the legislature this year. Please keep up the tremendous efforts of effective advocacy for the patients we care for and the nursing profession. Thank you to all the new members of the Vermont State Nurses’ Association and to the members of the Government Affairs Committee. Please participate next legislative session with the VSNA in advocating for the nursing profession and the communities we provide care for.

May Legislative UpdateSubmitted by Christine Ryan, RN, MS

VSNA Lobbyist

It is early May and the 2013 legislative session has yet to adjourn. As it stands now, the hope is that adjournment will happen within the next two weeks. It all depends upon how much work is accomplished and what the leadership determines as an end date. Several legislative issues such as: end of life choices, taxation, education funding, wind power, decriminalization of marijuana possession, and campaign finance reform dominated the 2013 session. Vermont legislators debated many important legislative issues, listened to hours of testimony from the public, and continued to demonstrate just how the political process works. Vermont nurses were present every step of the way and from the receptive responses of our representatives; it is evident that nurses provide an important contribution and critical perspective to the political process. The following is a brief summary of some of the key legislation introduced during this session that directly relates to the nursing profession in Vermont. For a complete list of bills introduced this legislative session, go to: www.legislature.vt.state.us.

Legislative Day attendees visit the House Chamber—Christine Ryan, Ann Laramee, Meredith Roberts, Carol Hodges, Judy Cohen and Cindy Bullard. Lynne Dapice (executive director) and Ann

Laramee.

Nurses Day at the State House

April 18, 2013

Capitol Plaza,

Montpelier, VT

Getting to the Heart ofBreast Health by Living Well

Friday, October 4, 20138 AM – 4:30 PM

Sheraton Hotel • Burlington, VermontNursing Contact Hours Available

$20 for up to 5.5 creditsOnline registration will be available in July.

www.uvm.edu/medicine/vtbreastcancerconferencefacebook.com/vtbreastcancerconference #vtbcc

support from: University of Vermont | Fletcher Allen Health Care Susan G. Komen for the Cure VT-NH Affiliate

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Vermont & Ladies First


ANA/VSNA NewsSubmitted by Christine Ryan, RN, MS

VSNA Lobbyistwww.leg.state.vt.us

H.60—AN ACT RELATING TO PROVIDING STATE FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR SCHOOL MEALS FOR CHILDREN OF LOW-INCOME HOUSEHOLDS

Introduced by Representatives Donovan of Burlington, Ancel of Calais, Zagar of Barnard (61 Representatives in all)

Statement of Purpose: This bill proposes to use state funds to pay an eligible student’s portion of a reduced-price school lunch.

H.89—AN ACT RELATING TO ENSURING ACCESS TO MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES IN VERMONT PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Introduced by Representative Heath of WestfordStatement of Purpose: This bill proposes to require the Agency of Education to

catalogue the mental health services currently offered in Vermont public schools, identify one or more programs that could serve as models for the rest of the State, and work with the Department of Mental Health to develop a proposal to ensure access in all Vermont public schools.

H.123—AN RELATING TO LYME DISEASE AND OTHER TICK-BOURNE ILLNESSES

Introduced by Representatives Dickinson of St. Albans Town, Yantachka of Charlotte (32 Representatives in all)

Statement of Purpose: This bill proposes to allow a licensed physician to prescribe, administer, or dispense long-term antibiotic therapy for the purpose of eliminating or controlling a patient’s Lyme disease or other tick-borne illness.

H.124—AN ACT RELATING TO FIREARMS REGULATIONIntroduced by Representatives Waite-Simpson of Essex, Greshin of Warren, Mrowicki

of Putney, Ancel of Calais, Clarkson of Woodstock, Cole of Burlington, Cross of Winooski, Deen of Westminster, Martin of Springfield, Ram of Burlington, Stevens of Waterbury, and Yantachka of Charlotte

Statement of Purpose: This bill proposes a number of provisions related to firearm regulation. The bill proposes to:

1. Prohibit the manufacture, possession, or transfer of large capacity ammunition feeding devices;

2. Require that a national instant background check be conducted on persons who purchase firearms at gun shows;

3. Prohibit the possession of firearms by persons whom federal law prohibits from possessing firearms;

4. Require a course on safe procedures for carrying a concealed firearm by any person who carries a concealed firearm;

5. Require the department of mental health to report to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System established by the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act of 1993 when a person is subject to hospitalization order or non-hospitalization order as the result of a mental illness which causes the person to be a danger to him or herself or others, or when a person is found not guilty of a crime by reason of insanity or incompetent to stand trial due to a mental illness.

6. Repeal the prohibition on the sale or use of gun silencers.

H.234—AN ACT RELATING TO THE IMPOSITION OF AN EXCISE TAX ON SUGAR-SWEETENED BEVERAGES

Introduced by Representatives Sharpe of Bristol, Burke of Brattleboro, Wizowaty of Burlington (34 Representatives in all)

Statement of Purpose: This bill proposes to impose an excise tax on sugar-sweetened beverages.

H.409—AN ACT RELATED TO THE STOCK SUPPLY AND EMERGENCY ADMINISTRATION OF EPINEPHRINE AUTO-INJECTORS IN SCHOOLS

Introduced by Representatives McCarthy of Saint Albans City, Zagar of Barnard (18 Representatives in all)

Statement of Purpose: This bill proposes to authorize schools to maintain a stock supply of epinephrine auto-injectors and designate school personnel who may, in an emergency, administer epinephrine at school to any student or other individual.

H.522—AN ACT RELATING TO STRENGTHENING VERMONT’S RESPONSE TO OPIOID ADDICTION AND METHAMPHETAMINE ABUSE

Introduced by Committee on Human ServicesStatement of Purpose: Human services, regulated drugs, crimes, substance abuse

S.4—AN ACT RELATING TO CONCUSSIONS AND SCHOOL ATHLETIC ACTIVITIES

Introduced by Senators Sears, Ashe, and CampbellStatement of Purpose: This bill proposes to:1. Require that school athletic coaches and referees receive training on how to

prevent concussions from occurring during athletic activities;2. Prohibit a coach or athletic trainer from allowing an athlete to continue

participating in a school athletic event if the trainer knows or should know that the athlete has sustained a concussion or other head injury;

3. Require that a health care provider be consulted if a coach and an athletic trainer do not agree as to whether an athlete has sustained a concussion or other head injury;

4. Require the home team to ensure that a licensed athletic trainer or a health care provider is present at any athletic event involving a contact sport, and to notify the visiting team’s athletic director if an athlete on the visiting team suffers a serious injury.

S.77—AN ACT RELATING TO PATIENT CHOICE AND CONTROL AT AND OF LIFE

Introduced by Committee on Health and WelfareStatement of Purpose: (as introduced)-This bill proposes to allow, subject to

appropriate safeguards, a mentally competent person diagnosed as having less than six months to live to request a prescription which, if taken, would hasten the dying process.

S.81—AN ACT RELATING TO THE REGULATION OF OCTABDE, PENTABDE, DECABDE, AND FLAME RETARDANT KNOWN AS TRIS IN CONSUMER PRODUCTS

Introduced by Senator Lyons, Ashe, Campbell, Fox, Galbraith, MacDonald, McCormack, Mullin, Pollina, and Zuckerman

Statement of Purpose: This bill proposes to prohibit the manufacture, distribution, sale, and use of certain consumer products containing octaBDE,pentaBDE, decaBDE, and forms of the flame retardant known as Tris, which are harmful to human health.

Legislative Interest/Bills of Interest

JOINT RESOLUTION RELATING TO VERMONT REGISTERED NURSES

Whereas, 19,885 registered nurses in Vermont represent our state’s largest health care resource, and

Whereas, The depth and breadth of the registered nursing profession is meeting the different and emerging health care needs of Vermont’s population in a wide range of settings, and

Whereas, Professional nursing has been demonstrated to be an indispensable component in the safety and quality of care of hospitalized patients, and

Whereas, The demand for registered nursing services will be greater than ever because of the aging of the American population, the continuing growth of life-sustaining technology, and the explosive growth of home health care services, and

Whereas, The cost-effective, safe, and quality health care services provided by registered nurses will be an ever more important component of the U.S. health care delivery system in the future, and

Whereas, The American Nurses Association and the Vermont State Nurses’ Association has declared the week of May 6-12 as NATIONAL NURSES WEEK2013with the theme, “NursesDeliveringQuality& Innovation inPatient Care” in celebration of the ways in which registered nurses strive to provide safe and high quality patient care and map out the way to improve our health care system, and

Whereas, In recognition of the role of registered nurses in the delivery of quality health care has declared April 18, 2013, as Vermont State Nurses’ Day and May 6-12, 2013, as National Nurses Week, now therefore be it

RESOLVED BY THE SENATE AND HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES:

That the General Assembly recognizes the role of Registered Nurses in the delivery of quality health care, and be it further

RESOLVED:That the Clerk of the House prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation on April 18, 2013.

HOME CARE REGISTERED NURSEFull Time or Per Diem

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

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

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

www.cvhhh.org

Hand-Delivering the Care to Our Homes

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

Pictured: Laura Murphy, Occupational Therapist

Be A Part of What It’s Really About....


Vermont Department of Health and Medical Reserve Corps

Major emergencies can overwhelm the capabilities of first responders, particularly during the first 12-72 hours. Medical volunteers provide important “surge” capacity during this critical period and augment medical staff shortages at local medical and emergency facilities. Communities often need medically trained individuals to fill in the gaps in their emergency response plans and improve their response capabilities. The MRC brings these individuals together in cohesive teams.

The mission of the Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) is to improve the health and safety of communities across the country by organizing healthcare professional volunteers who want to donate their time and expertise to respond to emergencies and promote healthy living throughout the year. The Division of Civilian Volunteer Medical Reserve Corps is headquartered in the Office of the US Surgeon General. The MRC is a specialized component of Citizen Corps, a national network of volunteers dedicated to ensuring hometown security. Communities benefit from having MRC volunteers ready to respond to emergencies.

The purpose of the MRC is to pre-identify, train, and organize volunteer medical, nursing, and public health professionals to render services in conjunction with existing local emergency response programs. MRC units are community-based; at present, there are approximately 1000 MRC units across the nation with more than 200,000 volunteers.

The MRC strengthens communities by bringing together practicing and retired physicians, nurses, pharmacists, dentists, veterinarians, and epidemiologists who are eager to volunteer to address their community’s ongoing public health needs and to help their communities during large-scale emergency situations. Non-medical volunteers are also vital to MRC units and responses to assist in coordination and logistics. MRC volunteers may offer their expertise throughout the year as well as during local emergencies and other times of community need. MRC volunteers work in coordination with existing local emergency response programs and supplement existing community public health initiatives, such as outreach and prevention, immunization programs, blood drives, case management, care planning, and other efforts.

Local community leaders develop their own MRC units and identify the duties of the MRC volunteers according to specific community needs. For example, MRC volunteers may deliver necessary public health services during a crisis, assist emergency response teams with patients, and provide care directly to persons with less serious injuries and other health-related issues.

MRC volunteers can also choose to support communities in need beyond their local regions. Following hurricanes Katrina and Rita, MRC volunteers helped communities by filling in at local hospitals and providing first aid to those injured by the storms. During this 2-month period, more than 30 MRC units worked as part of the relief efforts.

Although a primary role of MRC volunteers is to respond to disasters and emergencies, a significant part of the MRC’s mission is to foster disaster preparedness. MRC volunteers can also be called to help during nonemergency times to strengthen the overall health of Americans by participating in public health initiatives, such as influenza vaccination clinics and diabetes detection programs.

MRC volunteers do not have to be available all the time. Some volunteers may only be interested in making a minimal commitment during times of crisis or for other specific community needs. These preferences are respected, given that they can be accommodated by the MRC unit’s mission and work plan.

Any interested person is encouraged to join a local MRC team. Practicing, retired, or otherwise employed healthcare professionals are clinical assets to an MRC team. In Vermont, MRC Units are supported by the Vermont Department of Health. The first step in becoming an MRC volunteer is to locate the MRC unit closest to you.

Go to http://healthvermont.gov/emerg/mrc/units.aspx to learn more about the MRC and if you are interested in joining you can sign up today by becoming a Vermont Emergency Response Volunteer (VERV) by going to https://verv.vermont.gov/.

802-828-1635

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

We are currently seeking

RNs & LPNs• Intensive Care Unit

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

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

North Country Hospital189 Prouty Drive, Newport, VT 05855

www.northcountryhospital.org