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AACN Relaunches Critical Care Survey
Two-Phase Approach Targets Selected Units
AACN's landmark survey of critical care
units in the United States has been relaunched with a streamlined and more
respondent-friendly approach.
Because the first data collection cycle did
not yield sufficient valid responses to ensure reliable findings, a large sample
instead of all hospital critical care units has been selected to complete the
survey this time. This approach will ensure that the data collected and analyzed
are representative of the entire population. It also allows us to work and
communicate more closely with the invited respondents as they complete the
survey.
The survey will be given in two phases.
First, the facility information section will be sent electronically to critical
care directors (or equivalent positions) in the sample. When they complete this
section and submit their responses, the second phase-the unit-specific
section-will be e-mailed automatically to the nurse managers of the critical
care units in that facility. The survey's primary investigator, well-known
researcher and longtime AACN member Karin Kirchhoff, RN, PhD, FAAN, designed
this approach and the stratified sample.
To ensure the integrity of the sample, only
invited hospitals will be completing the survey. However, the long-term goal of
the survey project is to survey every acute-care hospital in the United States
and build a comprehensive database profiling all of the critical care units. So
that we can trend the data and meet the changing needs of the nurses who care
for patients and families in critical care units, the survey will be
administered annually.
Because of the new two-phase approach, data
collection will be extended throughout the fall and early winter, with findings
expected to be available in spring 2004.
Book Your NTI Hotel Room
Housing Bureau Opens Nov. 3
You can reserve your hotel for NTI 2004
early this year. In response to participant requests, rooms can be booked
beginning Nov. 3. The list of available hotels, as well as rates and
descriptions of the properties, will be available Oct. 15. Visit the NTI Web
site.
NTI 2004 is scheduled for May 15 through 20 in
Orlando, Fla. The Peabody Orlando will serve as the headquarters hotel.
Additional information is posted on the Web site and continually updated. The
registration brochure will be available in January.
Program Seeks to Respond to Unmet Needs
of Patients, Families
AACN Contributes to Chest Foundation Effort
AACN is taking advantage of an opportunity
to further influence the creation of excellent critical care environments
through representation on the advisory panel of the Chest Foundation's Critical
Care Family Assistance Program. The Chest Foundation is the philanthropic arm of
the American College of Chest Physicians.
Representing AACN on the panel are
immediate Past President Connie Barden, RN, MSN, CCNS, CCRN, and Practice and
Research Director Justine Medina, RN, MS.
The program is designed to respond to the
unmet needs of families of patients in ICUs by providing educational and family
support resources. In its advisory role, AACN will have an important role in
developing systemic solutions that provide family members with the appropriate,
clear and compassionate information they need to cope with their distress and to
participate in making decisions related to critically ill patients.
A grant by the Eli Lilly Company Foundation
to the Chest Foundation funded demonstration projects at two geographically and
institutionally diverse sites-Evanston (Ill.) Hospital and the VA Medical Center
in Oklahoma City. As a result, new models of critical care are emerging that
have the potential to significantly change the hospital critical care
environment leading to positive outcomes for patients and their families. Two
additional demonstration sites, Ben Taub Hospital, Houston, Texas, and Highland
Park Hospital, Highland Park, Ill., have since been added to the project.
The panel recently met with ACCP staff and
representatives of the four demonstration sites and the Eli Lilly and Company.
Data from a Family Satisfaction Survey
administered at the Evanston and Oklahoma City sites showed improved
satisfaction with communication provided by ICU team members; improved
satisfaction with care provided by ICU team members; improved care and treatment
of family members; and improved special services or information needed and
received by family members.
During the discussions, it became clear
that the staff and culture of each institution will be keys to the success and
power of the Critical Care Family Assistance Program. Nurses were cited as
crucial to complete success.
Did You Receive Critical Care
Newsline?
AACN Launches E-Mail Newsletter
In an effort to provide the most up-to-date
information in the timeliest manner, AACN launched an electronic newsletter last
month. Called Critical Care Newsline, this communication vehicle will be
delivered weekly to the in boxes of members and others interested in the issues
and concerns that affect nurses and the nursing profession.
If you have not received Critical Care
Newsline, it's probably because we don't have your current e-mail address. You
can update your profile yourself by visiting the AACN Web site at
http://www.aacn.org. If you are a
member or have conducted business with AACN in the past, you already have the ID
number and the password you need. Here's how it works:
ID number-For members, the ID number is the
same as their membership number. Nonmembers who have purchased products or
registered for conferences can use the number that appears on the materials they
have received. Only new customers should be assigned an identification number
and a password the first time they use the system. (Note: Please use your
existing number. Logging on with a different number will result in duplicate
records. If you don't have your number, call (800) 899-2226 between 7:30 a.m.
and 4:30 p.m. (PST) or e-mail info@aacn.org, including your name and address for
verification.)
Password-Once you have your ID number, you
will need a password. Initially, this will be up to the first 15 characters of
your last name. Please change your password after you log on for the first time.
AACN Initiatives Selected for 2003
ASAE Honor Roll
Two AACN initiatives were selected for the
2003 Associations Advancement America Honor Roll sponsored by the American
Society of Association Executives. A collaborative initiative with AACN
Certification Corporation was also selected for the honor roll.
The initiatives recognized are:
� Essentials of Critical Care Orientation (ECCO),
AACN's Web-based, self-paced orientation program that is now being used by
hospitals in 32 states and two international sites.
� Nursing Careers for Schoolkids, an effort
to introduce secondary school students to critical care nursing through visits
to the National Teaching Institute and Critical Care Exposition. The Schoolkids
program marked its third year in May in San Antonio, Texas.
� "Safeguarding the Patient and the
Profession: the Value of Critical Care Nurse Certification," a white paper on
the benefits that specialty certification brings to the public, to employers and
to nurses themselves.
The awards recognize associations that help
propel American forward through innovative projects in areas such as education,
skills training, standards-setting, business and social innovation, knowledge
creation, citizenship and community service.
On the Agenda
Following is a report by AACN board member
Deborah B. Laughon, RN, BSN, MS, PhD, CCRN, on discussions and actions that took
place during the August board meeting in Costa Mesa, Calif.
The August business meeting of the AACN
Board of Directors is traditionally preceded by an intensive orientation process
for newly elected board members. This year, time was also set aside to further
educate board members as a whole about the responsibilities of a nonprofit
board. By gaining a clear understanding of their role, from both a fiscal and
governance standpoint, board members are better prepared to make appropriate
decisions. Part of this training also focused on the continued development of
the board as a team and the development of future leaders.
Agenda Item: President's Report
President Dorrie Fontaine, RN, DNSc, FAAN,
discussed with the board the need to leverage AACN's commitment to a healthy
work environment by building a bridge between the "Bold Voices" call to action
issued last year by immediate past President Connie Barden, RN, MSN, CCNS, CCRN,
and her theme for the current year of "Rising Above." Focusing her remarks on
effective communication, Fontaine explained that she chose her theme to stress
the need to step back and analyze situations, and to proceed toward new
solutions with confidence and optimism.
Agenda Item: Operations Report
The board reviewed operations as they
relate to initiatives established for the year. Included was the performance
report for NTI 2003 in San Antonio, Texas, where the number of participants was
the largest since 1997. The overall program rating was high, with 77% of the
participants surveyed rating it as "excellent" and 23% as "good."
Agenda Item: Finance Report and Budget
Review
As part of its accountabilities, the board
continually monitors the association's budget and progress toward its strategic
and operating plans. The operations and finance reports provide the opportunity
for the board to assess the association's direction and to ensure that current
and long-term goals based on the needs of members and the profession can be
financed adequately.
At this meeting, the board reviewed and
approved the finance report for the fiscal year that ended June 30 and reviewed
the FY04 budget that was approved in April. The FY03 report showed that AACN had
a positive year, not only because of successes related to initiatives such as
the NTI and ECCO, but also because of business strategies that included process
improvement and expense controls. Confronted with a challenging economic
environment, AACN continues to seek out opportunities to expand member services
and resources and keep in step with changes.
Scene and Heard
AACN continues to seek visibility for our
profession and the organization. Following is an update on recent outreach
efforts.
Our Voice in the Media
Vital Signs (June 24, 2003)-Ann Mercer, RN,
CCRN, president of the Palm Beach County Chapter of AACN, wrote an article
titled "The Eagle Has Landed: The �Nursing Spirit' Soars in Palm Beach County,"
for Vital Signs, a publication of the Sun Sentinel Company in southern Florida.
The article notes that the chapter received the AACN Circle of Excellence
President's Award in recognition of its efforts to represent the "Bold Voices:
Fearless and Essential" theme of immediate Past AACN President Connie Barden,
RN, MSN, CCNS, CCRN. Saying that the chapter has "worked diligently to embrace
the values emphasized" in the theme, Mercer strongly encouraged "all nurses to
take a proactive stance to protect their patients and their nursing profession."
She cited the chapter's outspoken advocacy in hospitals, the media and the
community.
WPEC-TV (May 2003)-The CBS affiliate WPEC-TV
in Palm Beach, Fla., featured the 14th annual CCRN luncheon sponsored by the
Palm Beach County Chapter. Chapter Adviser Bonnie Rice, RN, MSN, ARNP, CCNS,
CCRN, was the keynote speaker. The chapter, which celebrates its 30th
anniversary this year, has also been involved in many other media outreach
efforts to address the vital issues of inadequate staffing, working conditions
and workplace violence.
American Journal of Nursing (July 2003)-An
editorial titled "Bold Voices: Fearless and Essential; Take the pledge to speak
out in your workplace" was featured in the American Journal of Nursing. In the
editorial, Editor in Chief Diana Mason, RN, PhD, FAAN, wrote, "I'm writing this
letter after an extraordinary morning at the NTI � I was moved by Barden's
opening address � She urged her colleagues to make three commitments: to be led
by their purpose, to develop and use a bold voice, and to be responsible for the
future of nursing. I extend that challenge to all nurses."
RN (August 2003)-RN magazine featured NTI
2004 in San Antonio, Texas. In addition to reporting highlights, including the
"Bold Voices" opening session speech delivered by then-President Connie Barden,
RN, MSN, CCNS, CCRN, the magazine published excerpts from the closing session
speech given by then President-elect Dorrie Fontaine, RN, DNSc, FAAN. In an
article titled "Bold Voices in Critical Care Nursing: Highlights of AACN's 30th
National Teaching Institute," the magazine quoted Barden as saying, "Nurses
should speak out on behalf of their patients in a bold, relentless voice and be
led by your purpose." The excerpts from Fontaine's speech focused on her theme
for the year of "Rising Above." "My theme for the year means seeking a new level
of consciousness. It begins with objectively and truthfully seeing the current
realities for what they are, gaining insight and arming ourselves with better
knowledge," the article quoted Fontaine as saying. "It means ensuring that the
association continues to survey and understand the landscape of healthcare. It
means finding the right data to gather and analyze so that the critical care
community can gain new insight into the complexities of the issues we face. And
it means translating that insight into resources and tools that will help us
find better paths in our own environments."
Nursing Schools' News Releases-The
Departments of Nursing at Augustana College, the University of Wisconsin, Eau
Claire, Brigham Young University, Wheeling Jesuit University and the University
of Virgin Islands each issued news releases acknowledging their receipt of
state-of-the-art oxygen monitoring equipment donated by Nellcor/Tyco Healthcare,
as well as additional educational resources donated by AACN and the American
Organization of Nurse Executives. (See page 10.) AACN and AONE partnered with
Nellcor on the donations to 125 schools of nursing. "In a time of scarce
resources and increasing demands upon nursing education, this kind of gift from
nursing practice organizations and technology manufacturers demonstrates a
shared commitment to the preparation of nurses for the future," said Dr. Margot
Nelson, BSN, MS, MA, PhD, professor of nursing and chair of the Department of
Nursing at Augustana, Sioux Falls, S.D., in her school's news release.
Nursing Spectrum (July 14, 2003)-The New
England edition of Nursing Spectrum featured an article on Yale-New Haven
Hospital as one of the first area hospitals to implement ECCO, AACN's
electronic-based Essentials of Critical Care Orientation program. "While it is
becoming more and more common for nursing schools to offer distance education,
availability in the hospital setting remains limited," the article noted. "[ECCO's]
modular format provides nurses with the theoretical foundations for providing
safe patient care in the critical care areas � The ECCO program's 24/7
availability allows flexibility in scheduling content review over all shifts.
Because it is self-paced, nurses can control the speed and sequence of the
information and review content as many times as they need."
Advance for Nurses (July 21, 2003)-AACN
Practice and Research Director Justine Medina, RN, MS, was quoted by Advance for
Nurses in an article titled "The Leapfrog Group rallies healthcare and big
business to improve patient safety and reduce medical errors." She noted that
the Leapfrog Group "has taken a nice stab at identifying quality measures with
known quality outcomes." Noting that AACN agrees the computerized physician
order entry initiative is "a great way to address some of the quality and safety
issues related to systems in hospitals today," Medina added that it takes a
somewhat different bent on the group's advocacy of only intensivist-managed
ICUs. "We think it's a great place to start," she said. "However, we have
addressed with the Leapfrog Group that there are many qualified physicians
besides intensivists, such as pulmonologists and other physicians practicing
critical care, who contribute to quality care in ICUs. These two Leapfrog
measures start to address the quality concerns of ICUs, but aren't the only
things to be measured."
Reflections on Nursing Leadership (Third
Quarter 2003)- The Sigma Theta Tau International publication Reflections on
Nursing Leadership noted that AACN President-elect Kathleen McCauley, RN, PhD,
CS, FAAN, was named to the 1942 Endowed Term Chair, a University of Pennsylvania
chair that rotates among schools based on achievement. McCauley is associate
professor, interim associate dean and director of undergraduate studies at the
University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing.
Our Voice at the Table
International Nursing Coalition for Mass
Casualty Education-Medina represented AACN at the recent International Nursing
Coalition for Mass Casualty Education conference in Nashville, Tenn. AACN was
asked to participate in evaluating, validating and endorsing the educational
task for the coalition's "Educational Competencies for Registered Nurses
Responding to Mass Casualty Incidents." A Web site regarding these competencies
is being developed to include information, tools and resources for academic
institutions, specialty organizations and nurses.
Critical Care Family Assistance Program-Barden
and Medina are members of the advisory panel for the Critical Care Family
Assistance Program, which is designed to respond to the unmet needs of families
of patients in ICUs by providing educational and family support resources. The
group met recently at the offices of the American College of Chest Physicians
and the Chest Foundation in Chicago, Ill., with representatives of the
demonstration project sites. (See page 3.)
National Organization of Nurse Practitioner
Faculties-AACN Certification Corporation Director Carol Hartigan, RN, and Medina
attended a meeting of the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties
and other specialty organizations to participate in a panel to draft entry-level
acute care nurse practitioner competencies and develop national standards. Each
organization will receive a draft document for review.
Contemporary Forums Pediatric Critical Care
Nursing Conference-AACN Board Member Nancy Blake, RN, MN, CCRN, CNAA, is on the
planning committee and was a speaker at the Contemporary Forums Pediatric
Critical Care Nursing Conference in Las Vegas, Nev. She delivered the general
session address, titled "Bioterrorism: What If the Threat Becomes Reality," as
well as a concurrent session on "Protecting Yourself From Liability."
If you or your chapter has reached out to
the media or other groups to promote critical care nursing, we'd like to know.
E-mail your information to
mailto:Judy.Wilkin@aacn.org.
ECCO Helps Hospital to Standardize
Orientation
Program Part of Restructuring Plan at Yale-New Haven
Yale-New Haven Hospital, founded in 1826,
is a 944-bed private, not-for-profit teaching hospital serving the needs of
Connecticut, New England and beyond. As a Level 1 Trauma Center and the primary
teaching hospital affiliated with the Yale University Schools of Medicine and
Nursing, the hospital provides training for more than 700 residents and fellows
in more than 60 accredited programs of graduate medical education.
According to Barbara Phelan, RN, DNSc, APRN,
BC, CCRN, clinical nurse educator for critical care, using AACN's Essentials of
Critical Care Orientation (ECCO) was a natural fit for Yale-New Haven Hospital's
restructured orientation program.
In the past, each ICU at Yale-New Haven
Hospital functioned independently, with little communication across units. The
unit managers developed practices and education programs for their specific
patient population. However, because practice was not standardized across units,
nurses who floated to other units found it difficult to discover the
unit-specific practices and adjust to provide patient care accordingly.
Restructuring shifted the focus toward more
evidence-based practices and protocols and decreasing practice variation.
However, as behavioral expectations were standardized, it became clear that
consistent educational support was necessary.
"Two years ago we completely revamped our
critical care orientation and addressed this lack of consistency," said Phelan.
"Now, all entry-level critical care nurses, regardless of unit, are expected to
meet standardized criteria. Competencies addressing patient specific issues are
then built upon that foundation.
"We based the new orientation on competency
statements by AACN, so ECCO fit right in with this revamped program."
Traditionally, orientation had been offered
four times each year, which no longer met the hospital's hiring needs.
"The advantage to using ECCO is the
real-time availability," Phelan said. "Now, nurses are hired and begin their
education right away instead of having to wait for the quarterly offerings."
As a result, managers can fill vacancies
sooner and more frequently.
In addition, using the ECCO program has
enabled the hospital to offer the course to units that were not originally
included in the curriculum.
"Now telemetry, step-down, and the
pediatric ICU have an opportunity to benefit from this critical care content,"
Phelan said. "Disease processes and related nursing care cross many units, so
most modules are relevant irrespective of unit.
"In the past, physical resources limited
our classroom size to 20 to 25 people, and we needed to focus on ICU nurses.
Without that limitation, we can open up the same content to more units that need
it."
Because of their familiarity and comfort
with group processes and the ability to get a feel for whether a group was
grasping the content, some educators were hesitant about using ECCO. However,
using the online program has helped educators make better use of their time.
"Educators are able to pinpoint areas in
need of reinforcement or additional development," Phelan explained. "The testing
feature is excellent and frees the educator from doing paper-and-pencil
correction. The educators have more opportunity to be at the bedside to
reinforce concepts rather than spending time on the administrative piece."
Coordination between educators, preceptors
and staff nurses is important to provide sufficient support for the learners.
Phelan is quick to point out that group process is still an integral component
of a successful orientation.
"We have adapted our class structure to
make sure each learner's style is met, especially for nurses less comfortable
learning primarily through a computer program," Phelan said. "Class time is much
better spent talking through our policies and procedures and discussing real
patients and real case studies. The class settings are more interactive,
engaging the nurses in lively discussions rather than just sitting and listening
to didactic content."
Are You Committed?
Are you committed to healthy work
environments? Join the growing number of critical care nurses who have pledged
to help achieve just that by signing the "Act Boldly" commitment card online.
In her presidential address at the opening
session of NTI 2003 in San Antonio, Texas, outgoing President Connie Barden, RN,
MSN, CCNS, CCRN, urged participants to publicly promise to make a difference in
sustaining healthy work environments by signing a card citing the following
commitments:
� I will identify the most pressing
challenge in my immediate work environment.
� I will initiate the dialogue with my
colleagues to find solutions to this challenge.
� I will remain actively involved in the
solutions until they are working.
AACN is continuing this effort by allowing
members to make their pledges online at
http://www.aacn.org > Act
Boldly. And, while supplies last, anyone participating in this commitment effort
will receive the "Act Boldly" lapel pin distributed to signers at the NTI.
In addition, you can order copies of the
presidential address, both in print and video formats. A number of "Bold Voices"
commemorative products are also available for purchase while supplies last.
Sepsis Education Program Available
Eli Lilly Grant Underwrites CD-ROM
Program
Identification and Management of the
Patient With Severe Sepsis," AACN's national sepsis education program for
nurses, is now available in a self-paced CD-ROM format. Funded by an
unrestricted educational grant from Eli Lilly and Company, this program is
sponsored by AACN and is accredited for 5.0 contact hours of CE credit for
single users.
Narrated by clinical expert Barbara McLean,
RN, MN, CCRN, CCNS-NP, FCCM, the new program offers clinicians a comprehensive
view of the latest information on the diagnosis and care of patients with severe
sepsis.
The 170-page, audio/slide CD-ROM study
guide includes pathophysiology of severe sepsis; identification of acute organ
system dysfunction; antibiotics, source control and monitoring in severe sepsis,
including investigational and new approved therapies; hemodynamic, ventilatory,
renal and other aspects of care; and nursing care of patients with severe
sepsis. Case studies are also included in the presentation.
To order this cutting-edge learning program
for only the $7.50 shipping and handling fee, call (800) 899-2226 and request
Item #004060. Quantities are limited.
Campaign Brings in 1,300 New AACN
Members
Making Critical Links
A work environment that values professional
development helped AACN member Delmar Imperial-Aubin, RN, BSN, of Houston,
Texas, sweep into the lead in AACN's Critical Links membership campaign at the
end of August.
Imperial-Aubin, the clinical mentor at the
DeBakey Heart Center's cardiovascular ICU at Methodist Hospital in Houston,
credits a new career progression model implemented at her institution with
helping to fuel interest among her colleagues in joining AACN. One of the
requirements of the program, which she explained is similar to a clinical
ladder, is becoming an active member of a professional organization.
"Every payday, we talked it up," Imperial-Aubin
said. "It's created quite a buzz, excitement in the hospital."
With more than 150 nurses in the five ICUs
at Methodist Hospital, Imperial-Aubin said her goal is to get all the staff
members to join their professional association, read journals and become
certified. She said she believes the results will translate into better patient
care and patient outcomes.
Campaign Total at 1,307
The 28 new members recruited by Imperial-Aubin
during August are part of the 390 new members recruited by individuals and
chapters for the month-bringing the total recruited since the campaign began May
1 to 1,307.
Another member, Stephanie Westbrook, RN, of
Greenville, N.C., also made her debut into the campaign with 24 new members
recruited as she works to help establish a new chapter in her area. The total
tied her for second with previous frontrunner Ngozi I. Moneke, RN-BC, BSN, CCRN,
of Freeport, N.Y. Caroline Axt, RN, MS, of Oakland, Calif., remained at 21 new
members recruited.
Rewards Await Recruiters
The top individual recruiter when the
campaign ends March 31 will receive a $500 American Express gift certificate.
All individual campaign participants receive an AACN pocket reference when they
recruit their first new member. After that, individual recruiters receive $25
gift certificates toward the purchase of AACN resources when they recruit five
new members and $50 AACN gift certificates when they recruit 10 new members.
Each month, members who have recruited at
least one new member during the month are also entered into a drawing for a $100
American Express gift certificate. Receiving the American Express gift
certificate in the drawing for August was Tracy Adele Spies, RN, BS, BSN, of
Tampa, Fla.
In addition, all recruiters are eligible
for prize drawings that offer round-trip tickets for two to anywhere in the
continental United States, including a five-day, four-nights hotel stay;
round-trip tickets for two to anywhere in the continental United States; and
four-day-three-night hotel accommodations in the continental U.S.
Note: To participate, recruiters must
include their membership numbers on the referral line of the membership
application. Individuals who also want their chapters to receive credit must
include the chapter name.
Recruiters With 5 or More New Members
Following are other campaign participants
who had recruited five or more new members as of the end of August:
15-Kathleen M. Richuso, RN, MS, MSN,
Catherine P. Rodgers, RN, ADN, CCRN
13-Carol A. Grube, RN
12-Victor A. Duarte, RN
11-Lori Ann Cox, Christina McCarter Cantey,
RN, BSN, RN, MSN, CCRN,ACNP, NP, Linda J. Lopazanski, RN, CCRN
10-Kathleen L. Finn, RN, MS, EdD, Kirsten
F. Fritz, RN, Rhonda Lanclos, RN, ADN, Maureen Wood, RN, BSN
9-Barbara M. Eachus, RN, BS, BSN, CCRN,
Jean A. Endryck, RN, BS, BSN, MN, MS, FNP, NP, Julie S. Miller, RN, BSN, CCRN
8-Sharon V. Grupp, RN, BSN
7-Judith A. Ascenzi, RN, MN, MSN, Jeanne
Ann Bolton, RN, BS, BSN, CCRN, Dawn Kregel, RN, BS, BSN, Maria A. Laxina, RN,
MA, MS, CCRN, Dawn LeQuatte, RN, Teresa J. Seright, RN, ADN, CCRN
6-Cathy L. Blonski, RN, Cynthia L. Bond,
RN, T. Lynn Brown, RN, Betty C. King, RN, MSN, AA, Janis D. King, RN, ADN, CCRN,
Marisue Rowe, RN, ADN, Cynthia L. Zaletel, RN, BSN, CCRN
5-Rachel Banks, RN, Marylee R. Bressie, RN,
CNS, MS, MSN, CCRN, CEN, Barbara M. Bundage, RN, MSN, Diane M. Casperson, RN,
BSN, CCRN, Kathleen M. Johnson, RN, Ann L. Mercer, RN, CCRN, Joseph R. Newsome,
RN, CNS, MN, CCNS, Lynn M. Purcel, RN, BSN, Irma N. Richardson, RN, BS, CCRN,
Donna B. Sabash, RN, BS, BSN, CCRN
Collaborative Effort Benefits Schools
of Nursing
125 Institutions Receive Nellcor Monitoring Equipment
The clinical skills laboratories for nurses
at approximately 125 institutions have received a donation of state-of-the-art
oxygen monitoring equipment and additional educational resources valued at more
than $5,000, thanks to a national collaboration of two nursing associations and
a leading healthcare technology manufacturer.
AACN and the American Organization of Nurse
Executives have partnered with Nellcor/Tyco Healthcare to donate Nellcor 395
pulse oximeters and educational resources to 125 schools of nursing in 48
states, the District of Columbia and U.S. Virgin Islands.
The donation provides the oximeters and
materials to schools selected by AACN and AONE. Each selected school will also
have access to Nellcor's field-based team of hospital clinical consultants.
Pulse oximeters are used routinely in critical care units and increasingly in
other patient care areas to noninvasively measure a patient's heart rate and the
amount of oxygen in the blood.
Schools Receiving Pulse Oximeters
Additional schools were listed in the
September issue of AACN News.
Alabama-University of Alabama
Alaska-University of Alaska-Fairbanks
Arizona-Northern Arizona University,
Yavapai College
Arkansas-University of Arkansas for Medical
Sciences
California-San Diego State University,
University of California-San Francisco
Colorado-University of Colorado Health
Sciences Center, University of Northern Colorado
Connecticut-Southern Connecticut State
University, Yale University
Delaware-Wesley College
District of Columbia-Georgetown University,
Howard University
Florida-Florida International University,
University of Central Florida
Hawaii-University of Hawaii At Hilo,
University of Hawaii at Manoa
Idaho-Idaho State University
Illinois-Rush University, University of St.
Francis
Indiana-University of Indianapolis,
University of Southern Indiana
Iowa-Mount Mercy College
Kansas-University of Kansas
Kentucky-Midway College, Murray State
University School of Nursing
Louisiana-Southern University and A&M
College-Baton Rouge
Maine-University of Maine, University of
Southern Maine
Maryland-Salisbury University, University
of Maryland
Massachusetts-Northeastern University,
University of Massachusetts Worcester
Michigan-Eastern Michigan University, Grand
Valley State University
Minnesota-St. Olaf College, University of
Minnesota
Mississippi-University of Southern
Mississippi
Missouri-St. Louis Community College, St.
Louis University
Montana-Montana State University-Northern
Nevada-University of Nevada, Las Vegas
New Hampshire-Saint Anselm College
New Jersey-University of Medicine &
Dentistry of New Jersey
New Mexico-University of New Mexico
New York-SUNY College At Brockport, Ulster
County Community College, Wayne Community College
North Carolina-UNC Wilmington School of
Nursing
North Dakota-University of North Dakota
Ohio-Trinity Health System School of
Nursing, Wright State University
Oregon-University of Portland
Pennsylvania-La Salle University, North
Hampton Community College, University of Pennsylvania, University of Pittsburgh
South Dakota-South Dakota State University,
University of South Dakota
Tennessee-Tennessee State University,
Vanderbilt University
Texas-Texas Woman's University, University
of Texas at El Paso
Utah-Weber State University
Vermont-Norwich University
Virginia-Virginia Commonwealth University
Washington-Pacific Lutheran University,
Washington State University
West Virginia-Wheeling Jesuit University
Wisconsin-University of Wisconsin-Eau
Claire
PDA Center
What's New?
A redesign of the AACN PDA Center Web area
during the next few months will include an Educational Section, where you will
be able to read PDA-related articles, listen to and watch interactive PDA
tutorials featuring actual PDA devices and software, and keep up to date on new
AACN products.
In addition, a PDA Information and
Discussion Forum is scheduled to be up and running this month. This interactive
area is designed as a place to post questions or share experiences with a PDA in
your practice. Although the forum is not "live," you will find valuable
information on a variety of topics, including PDA devices, drug guide issues and
HIPAA updates. AACN Education Resource Specialist Marianne Martineau will not
only moderate this forum, but also post common questions and answers from
members using PDAs in their practice.
Interactive Web Presentation
The first interactive PDA presentation is
ready for viewing. "AACN PDA Series 1: An Emulated View of PDA Technology"
explores an actual PDA device and the abundant features and functions of this
handheld technology. Instruction on how to use nonnursing software applications,
such as Word and PowerPoint, on a PDA device and security options related to
HIPAA requirements is provided. This presentation has been approved for 1.0
contact hours of Category A continuing education credit. Future presentations in
the series will delve into available nursing software and present a patient
scenario in which the PDA device is used to manage care. To view this CE
offering, visit AACN Website.
Sony Clie Rebate
Through Oct. 31, Sony is offering a $50
trade-up rebate on its Sony Clie device with the return of an older handheld
device. For details and to obtain a rebate form, visit AACN Website.
NTI Audio Tapes and CDs Offer CE
Credit
AACN has released more than 50 cutting-edge
topics from NTI 2003 as CE-approved audio tapes and audio CDs. Choose from an
assortment of cardiovascular, pulmonary, ethics, leadership, neurology,
pediatrics and multisystem selections. By purchasing a "bundle" of the
selections, you can save 20%.
To obtain the list of topics and an order
form, call AACN FAX on Demand at (800) 222-6329 and request Document #6052. The
form is also available online at
http://www.aacn.org > Bookstore
> AACN Product Catalog > Specials and What's New.
New Products Added to the AACN
Bookstore!
Three new clinical practice resources are
now available from AACN. To order, call (800) 899-2226 or visit the AACN
Bookstore online at
http://www.aacn.org
> Bookstore > AACN Product Catalog.
ECGs Made Easy, 2 Edition-Book and
Pocket Guide Package
This book and pocket guide duo by Barbara
Aehlert provides information essential to understanding and interpreting basic
dysrhythmias. A handy heart rate calculator ruler and 12-lead ECG reference card
are included in the text. Both products come in paperback. The pocket reference
is sized for easy carrying in a lab coat or scrub jacket pocket.
Item #100158
Price: $37 ($38.95 nonmembers)
Understanding Electrocardiography, 8th
Ed
This new edition of Mary Boudreau Conover's
book provides complete ECG monitoring information, from the basics through more
advanced concepts. New chapters in this hardcover book include "The Athlete's
ECG," "In-Hospital Ischemia Monitoring" and "Brugada Syndrome."
Item #100159
Price: $37.95 ($39.95 nonmembers)
Outcomes Management-Applications to
Clinical Practice
New resources are always needed when
accountable for managing and improving patient outcomes. This paperback book by
Anne Wojner is rich with multiple resources, from position descriptions, quality
tools and standardized practice tools to methods for outcomes management across
the life span and continuum of care.
Item #128602
Price: $42.70 ($44.95 nonmembers)
Currents
Pediatric Palliative Care
The Initiative for Pediatric Palliative
Care, a consortium headed by Education Development Center, Inc., the New York
Academy of Medicine, the National Association of Children's Hospitals and
Related Institutions, and the Society of Pediatric Nurses, as well as seven
leading children's hospitals, is sponsoring a national symposium on Nov. 6 and
7. Focused on the theme "Enhancing Family-Centered Care for Children Living With
Life-Threatening Conditions," the symposium will offer sessions on the values
and principles of culturally respectful, family-centered care; pain and symptom
management; ethical analysis and decision making; bereavement and suffering;
communication skills; and continuity of care. For more information,
e-mail ippc@edc.org;
Web site,
http://www.ippcweb.org.
American Cancer Society Funding
Dec. 1 is the deadline to apply to the
American Cancer society for master's degree and doctoral degree scholarships in
cancer nursing. To find out more about these scholarships as well as other
American Cancer Society funding opportunities, including grants for research,
visit the American Cancer Society Web site at
http://www.cancer.org.
Gerontological Society Meeting
The 56th annual scientific meeting of the
Gerontological Society of America is scheduled for Nov. 21 through Nov. 25 in
San Diego, Calif. The theme is "Our Future Selves: Research, Education and
Services for Early Development and Childhood in an Aging Society." For more
information, call (202) 842-1275; Web site,
.
North American Stroke Meeting
The North American Stroke Meeting 2003 will
be Dec. 4 through Dec. 6 in Orlando, Fla. Additional information is available
online at
http://www.stroke.org.
What's Coming Up in the November
Issue of the American Journal of Critical Care?
� Frequency and Outcomes of Transient
Myocardial Ischemia in Critically Ill Adults Admitted for Noncardiac Conditions
� Role of Activated Protein C in the
Pathophysiology of Severe Sepsis
� The Link Between Teamwork and Patient
Outcomes in Intensive Care Units
Subscriptions to Critical Care Nurse and
the American Journal of Critical Care are included in AACN
membership dues.
Looking Ahead
November 2003
November 3 NTI 2004 Housing Bureau opens.
For the list of available hotels and rates, visit the NTI Web site.
December 2003
December 1 Deadline to submit nominations
for the 2005 AACN Distinguished Research Lecturer Award. For more information,
contact Research Associate Dolores Curry at (800) 394-5995, ext. 377; e-mail,
dolores.curry@aacn.org.
January 2004
January 15 Deadline to submit nominations
for the AACN Clinical Inquiry Grant. For more information, visit the AACN Web
site.
The grants handbook is also available from AACN
Fax on Demand at (800) 222-6329. Request Document #1013.
January 15 Deadline to submit nominations
for the AACN AACN End-of-Life Palliative Care Small Projects Grant. For more
information, visit the AACN Web site. The grants handbook is also available from
AACN Fax on Demand at (800) 222-6329. Request Document #1013.
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