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1 The Official Publication of The Wyoming Nurses Association Quarterly circulation approximately 8,000 to all RNs, LPNs, and Student Nurses in Wyoming. Vol. 24 No. 2 June, July, August 2011 President s Message As is true each year, May 6th to May 12th is the week set aside to celebrate nurses and nursing was no exception. This year, the American Nurses Association presented a valuable gift to all members a free webinar entitled Lead from Where you Stand. This webinar was presented by Leah Curtin, MS, MA, ScD(h), RN, FAAN on May 10th. I hope that many of you had the opportunity to listen and participate in this inspirational presentation. When watching the news or reading the newspapers, blogs, or the.com of your choice, we can often look at the issues surrounding healthcare today as negative and depressing. However, as nurses, we are the largest workforce in healthcare and if we all choose to lead from where we stand we can make a positive impact on the future of healthcare. In her presentation, Dr. Curtin advised every nurse to, Sit in the front row of your own life. She further went on to explain that by being out in front, we fully participate in what is right in front of us thereby strengthening the natural connections that exist between each of us. As I am sure most of you have read by now, the Institute of Medicine s The Future of Nursing Report has four key recommendations: 1. To ensure that nurses can practice to the full extent of their education and training 2. To improve nursing education Faith M. Jones, MSN, RN, NEA-BC 3. To provide opportunities for nurses to assume leadership positions and to serve as full partners in health care redesign and improvement efforts, and 4. To improve data collection for workforce planning and policy making (The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health nap.edu/catalog/12956.html). This work must be done by nursing and cannot be done in the back row. I would like to share an example of one our members taking a front row seat. Last issue, I highlighted our need to be connected through communication so that we can all participate to the fullest. One of our methods of communication is through our district presidents and as of our last issue we had three districts that were not represented by presidents. I sent out a plea to members in district 3, 14, and 15. A member from district 14 stepped forward to learn more about the opportunity. She attended a board meeting, introduced herself to the Board and requested to be appointed to that vacant seat. The WNA Board voted and we would like to present to you the new District 14 President. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ My name is Marcy Elizabeth Clouser and I reside in Lander, WY and have done so the majority of my life. I attended Western Wyoming Community College and completed my Associates Degree in Nursing (ADN) in the spring of Since completion of that program I have pursued my Bachelor s degree in nursing through the University of Wyoming Outreach RN-to- BSN program. My anticipated graduation date is spring Marcy Clouser, District 14 President From there I plan on applying to Kansas State University to attend their BSN-to-PHD program and hopefully one day be employed as an administrator of nursing. I am currently employed full-time as a Registered Nurse at the Wyoming Life Resource Center (WLRC) in Lander as a Primary floor nurse. I have truly enjoyed working with this specialized population and gained knowledge and experience that I will carry lifelong. I also do case management for healthcare clients within my role at WLRC to include care planning, participation in Individualized Health Plans (IHP), financial management, and monthly/ quarterly assessments. I have obtained my specialty nursing certificate in Developmental Disabilities and have the credentials of CDDN (Certified Developmental Disabilities Nurse). I intend to attend SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner) Training this fall through Beth- El College in Colorado and hope to pursue this part-time in conjunction with my other employment. Although nursing is a significant component of my life I also enjoy winter sports such as snowboarding and sledding and through summer months I enjoy camping, hiking, fishing, hunting, and exploring the desert of Wyoming. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ I am sure we will all welcome Marcy to her new role and reach out to assist her in any way possible. Her contact information is available under the Board/District President link at Throughout the State we have eleven districts. Currently we have two districts that do not have presidents. Those districts are 3 and 15. District 3 serves the Sheridan area. District 15 serves the Torrington area. The main responsibility of the district president is to provide communication to members in the district and to represent the members of the district on the WNA Board. If there are any members in Districts 3 or 15 that are interested in serving as president, please contact me and I will assist in facilitating a nomination and election process in your district. I would also like to reach out to any member in any district who is interested in moving to a front row seat, please contact your district president or any member of the WNA Board to learn about the many opportunities. There is too much work to be done to simply take a back seat and let others make decisions for us. It is through our strength in participation and connections that we will achieve the best for our profession resulting in excellent outcomes for our patients. current resident or Presort Standard US Postage PAID Permit #14 Princeton, MN 55371

2 Page 2 Wyoming Nurse June, July, August 2011 ANA Ne w s ANA President Joins U.S. Delegation to 64th World Health Assembly SILVER SPRING, MD The American Nurses Association (ANA), the largest nursing organization in the U.S., is honored to have its president, Karen A. Daley, PhD, MPH, RN, FAAN, selected to be a part of the U.S. delegation to the 64th World Health Assembly in Geneva, May 16 24, It is an honor and a privilege to participate in the World Health Assembly as a member of the U.S. delegation, commented Daley. The World Health Assembly is the decision-making body of the World Health Organization (WHO). This year s meeting will focus on a number of public health issues, including pandemic preparation, global immunization strategies and the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease. President Daley also recently participated in the International Council of Nurses (ICN) conference and Council of National Representatives held May 2-8 in Malta. She delivered a presentation at the conference about sharps injury prevention in the U.S. and the importance of creating a culture of safety in the health care environment. Discussion at the ICN conference centered on nursing s key role in improving access to care and the challenges in changing health care systems toward more patient-centered care to achieve the best possible health outcomes. ANA is the U.S. member of ICN, a federation of more than 130 national nurses associations representing the more than 13 million nurses worldwide. The WYOMING NURSE is the official publication of the Wyoming Nurses Association, a constituent member of the American Nurses Association, published quarterly every March, June, September and December. WNA BOARD OF DIRECTORS President: Faith Jones Home: fjones@bresnan.net President Elect: Lisa Horton Home: ; Work: lhorton@pvhc.org Vice President: Kathy Luzmoor Home: ; Work: kluzmoor@sweetwaterhsa.com Secretary: Jennifer Jones Home: ; Work: jjones@directairnet.com Treasurer: Sue Howard Home: ; Work: sue.howard@ccmh.net DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVES #1 Cheyenne: Maria Kidner Home: ; Work: mkidner@millect.com #2 Casper: Mary Behrens Home: ; Work: mary.behrens@bresnan.net #3 Sheridan: Vacant #6 Rock Springs: David Bodily Home: dbodily@wwcc.wy.edu #10 Gillette: Rose Rennell Home: ; Work: rennellrr@ccmh.net #12 Laramie: Jeanine Niemoller Home: ; Work: UncleBob60@msn.com #14 Laramie: Marcy Clouser Home: marcyclouser@health.wyo.gov #15 Torrington: Vacant #16 Powell/Cody: Lisa Horton Home: ; Work: lhorton@pvhc.org #17 Evanston/Kemmerer: Jessie Soelter Home: ; Work: jessie.soelter@gmail.com #50 Non Districted: Barbara Jean James Home: ; Work: Barb.james@bresnan.net EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Tobi Lyon PMB 101, 2816 Dogwood Avenue Gillette, WY PHONE: Address: tobilyon@wyonurse.org For advertising rates and information, please contact Arthur L. Davis Publishing Agency, Inc., 517 Washington Street, PO Box 216, Cedar Falls, Iowa 50613, (800) , sales@aldpub.com. WNA and the Arthur L. Davis Publishing Agency, Inc. reserve the right to reject any advertisement. Responsibility for errors in advertising is limited to corrections in the next issue or refund of price of advertisement. Acceptance of advertising does not imply endorsement or approval by the Wyoming Nurses Association of products advertised, the advertisers, or the claims made. Rejection of an advertisement does not imply a product offered for advertising is without merit, or that the manufacturer lacks integrity, or that this association disapproves of the product or its use. WNA and the Arthur L. Davis Publishing Agency, Inc. shall not be held liable for any consequences resulting from purchase or use of an advertiser s product. Articles appearing in this publication express the opinions of the authors; they do not necessarily reflect views of the staff, board, or membership of WNA or those of the national or local associations.

3 June, July, August 2011 Wyoming Nurse Page 3 WNA Ne w s Run for WNA Board of Directors Leadership Opportunities The Wyoming Nurses Association (WNA) Nominations Committee is seeking interested WNA members who wish to serve in leadership roles on the WNA Board of Directors. Elected in 2011 by Statewide Ballot for a two year term is: Vice President Secretary 2-ANA Delegates Duties of each office: The Vice-President shall assume the duties of the President in the absence of the President and President- Elect. The Vice-President shall serve as Chairperson of the Membership and Public Relations Committee. The Vice- President shall serve as the elected First Alternate ANA Delegate. The Secretary shall be responsible for ensuring that records are maintained of meetings of the WNA, the Board of Directors, and Executive Committee of the Board of Directors, and shall notify members of the meetings of WNA. The Secretary shall serve as the elected Third Alternate ANA Delegate. Two ANA Delegates will be elected to serve as a voting member to the ANA House of Delegates which will be held June 13-16, 2012 in Washington, DC. All candidates for office must submit a Consent to Serve form, a statement ( words) on what you believe are the major issues before the Association, in particular the position for which you are a candidate, and a photo by Monday August 1, 2011 to the WNA Office. New Opportunity for Organizations The Wyoming Nurses Association has recently developed a new membership opportunity for other organization to have a voice in WNA. We are launching an organizational affiliate membership as an avenue for your organization to have involvement in WNA. The goal of WNA with this new membership opportunity is to promote collaboration among other organizations. We feel that working together on a unified front we can accomplish more to advance and promote the nursing profession. What does an organizational affiliate membership mean? It means that your organization is a part of an influential and effective statewide network of Wyoming registered nurse who support and promote the profession of nursing and advocate for a healthier Wyoming. Your organization will be able to participate in the annual meeting with a vote and voice; have a voice in our legislative agenda; review our communication; discounts to our events and meetings; opportunity to publish information about your organization in our publications, and numbers other services. Visit the WNA website to view the further details outlining the criteria, fees and services your organization would be provided as an affiliate member. If you are your organization has questions or would like us to present this opportunity to your organization please contact the WNA office at or tobilyon@wyonurse. org and we would welcome the invitation to communicate further with you about this wonderful option. It takes all of us to make a difference! Nominating Committee is Seeking Members The nominating committee is new to WNA and seeks to find members to facilitate nominations for the upcoming elections in September of Elected positions are very important to our organization and we need members from across the state to encourage members in their own districts to become involved and be willing to run for office. Committee meetings will be held via conference calls and communication will take place using . Committee members will take information about upcoming open positions to their district meetings. The committee member will then report to the committee about any members interested in running for the open position. Our next elections will take place late this summer prior to the annual convention. If you are willing to serve on the nominating committee please notify Cyndy Rankin at clrankin@bresnan.net or call To obtain a Consent to Serve form or to learn more about each of the leadership positions please visit the WNA Website at or tobilyon@wyonurse.org or call The nominations chair Cyndy Rankin is also available to answer any questions you may have regarding running for office. Cyndy can be reach by clrankin@bresnan. net or phone at

4 Page 4 Wyoming Nurse June, July, August 2011 Education Summit Toni Decklever, MA, RN The 2011 Nurse Education Summit was held May in Casper. Over 100 nurses with clinical and education backgrounds gathered to learn about cultural competencies and curriculum redesign. Nurse educators from the Oregon Consortium for Nursing Education (OCNE) started the Summit with a summary from the 1st Education Summit that was held in This is the first step in Wyoming s pursuit to develop a common statewide nursing curriculum that is taught at all nursing programs at the community colleges and the University. After the presentations at the 2010 Education Summit, a decision was made to evaluate the possibility that a statewide curriculum would be accepted. The group, ReNEW which stands for Revolutionizing Nursing Education in Wyoming, is a consensus group consisting of members from UW, the Community College and, acute and long term care facilities. This group has helped start the discussion regarding a statewide curriculum. The mission of RENEW is to enhance the quality of nursing and health care in Wyoming by revolutionizing nursing education. The intended outcome is to encourage more nurses to continue their education to the bachelors degree level by providing a seamless transition to the University of Wyoming. An increase in the quality of nursing education will help lead Wyoming into the future of nursing by updating curriculum and techniques to teach the curriculum. The group learned about tools and techniques for implementing instruction in the area of Cultural Diversity. The presentation, given by Josepha Campinha-Bacote was entertaining and educational. She shared personal and professional experiences that illustrated the need for improvement in cultural diversity awareness and assessment. The Monday afternoon and Tuesday sessions were dedicated to identifying competencies that answer the questions, What do want our students to know and what do we want them to do? What does a generalist nurse look like? The facilitators from Oregon lead the group in good conversations around this very broad point. Outcomes included the formation of committees categorized as: Development, Student Support, Clinical Education and Curriculum. Next steps involves committee meetings to develop goals, benchmarks and timelines. Overall, the group was energized and enthusiastic about the project and are looking forward to continued program development and improvement in the education of our future nurses. Plan to nominate a nursing colleague NOW for an award from Wyoming Nurses Association. There is no easier way to bring the honor that they deserve. We want to recognize and celebrate nurses from all across Wyoming but we need YOUR HELP in order to accomplish this celebrate. Award nominations are due to the WNA office by Monday August 1, To obtain an Award Nomination Form visit the WNA website at or WNA Executive Director, Tobi Lyon at tobilyon@wyonurse.org or call for a form to be mailed directly to you. Awards will be given in the following categories: Excellence in Clinical Nursing Practice Award Criteria to Include: 1. Develops and delivers innovative and applicable approaches to enhance direct patient care in the clinical arena of nursing. 2. Practices at least 20% of work in a direct patient care setting. 3. Exemplifies behaviors reflecting the caring attitudes of nursing. 4. Demonstrates proficiency in the skills and techniques required by his/her clinical area. 5. Devotes time and energy towards delivering quality patient care within the clinical arena. 6. Serves as a role model for other nurses within the clinical arena. 7. Impacts the quality of patient care delivery and/or the response of patients to care they receive. 8. Licensed as a RN in Wyoming: (WNA Membership is NOT required). Community Service/Health Promotion Award Criteria to Include: 1. Active in development/delivery of community/patient education. 2. Provides service to health care consumers. 3. Develops and/or delivers health promotion, health prevention or risk reduction program to the community. WNA Ne w s Nominate a Wyoming Nurse Deadline is August 1st 4. Demonstrates an impact on community or target populations. 5. Active in recognized volunteer health organizations (March of Dimes, AHA, etc.) 6. Demonstrates innovative approaches toward community health programs. 7. Facilitates collaborative efforts with other health team members. 8. Contributes to the promotion of wellness within a community. 9. Licensed as an RN in Wyoming: (WNA Membership is NOT required). Outstanding Service to WNA Award Criteria to Include: 1. Holds current WNA memberships. 2. Participates at district, state or national level by serving on committees or as an officer. 3. Demonstrates involvement in promotion/recruitment efforts for WNA. 4. Enhances the image of WNA. 5. Exemplifies professionalism in nursing. 6. Demonstrates a commitment of time, energy and dedication to WNA s Purpose. 7. Recognizes the rurality of Wyoming and addresses specific needs of the organization statewide. 8. Licensed as an RN in Wyoming. 9. This award is not intended for the outgoing president of WNA Leadership in Nursing Award Criteria to Include: 1. Participates in professional nursing organizations. 2. Contributes to the advancement of nursing. 3. Demonstrates creativity/management skills. 4. Serves as an articulate spokesperson for promotion of nursing. 5. Performs as a change agent or develops innovative approaches to further nursing practice. 6. Encourages recruitment/retention of qualified nurses into the nursing profession. 7. Demonstrates ongoing commitment to the lifelong nature of nursing education through continuing education, publications, research, presentations, or advanced education. 8. Collaborates with the legislative/political processes related to nursing. 9. Commits time, effort, and energy toward the profession of nursing. 10. Licensed as a RN in Wyoming. 11. Holds current WNA Membership. District Nurse of the Year Award Criteria to Include: To recognize a nurse in each WNA district who has contributed to the district and profession in a significant way. There are 10 WNA districts and WNA wants to recognize one member from each of the 101 Districts. 1. Participates in district activities and supports their district. 2. Licensed as a RN in Wyoming. 3. Holds a current WNA Membership. Outstanding Leadership for WNA Award An award for outstanding leadership of WNA will be given to the outgoing president, semi annually and the nomination will be a joint effort by the board and Executive Director and will include the accomplishments of the above during the term of office. This nomination will include information about events during the term and will also serve as a document to be archived for historical review. Nomination will be due at the August 1st deadline for the convenience of the committee preparing the event and ceremony. Lifetime Achievement Award A nomination to recognize a nurse for lifetime achievement will also be solicited and may be awarded annually to a candidate under the following criteria: Long career as a nurse in Wyoming, Has shown commitment and dedication to the profession of Nursing Has been an innovator and developed programs, served on boards and committees to advance the practice of nursing and health care in Wyoming. Provides support, mentoring and role modeling for other nurses. Exemplifies the role of a nurse by exhibiting caring and professionalism.

5 June, July, August 2011 Wyoming Nurse Page 5 Le g i s l a t i v e Toni Decklever, MA, RN At the end of the legislative session, each committee meets to develop a list of activities to be studied or considered for the next session. The list of activities the Labor, Health and Social Services committee consists of: Priority #: 1 Response to Federal Initiatives The Committee s jurisdiction includes areas that require state response to federal legislative or regulatory initiatives, as well as areas that require state executive branch reports. Significant areas include health care reform, Medicaid studies, health insurance exchanges, mental health parity and health care provider recruitment. The Committee will monitor and respond as needed to federal initiatives and state agency reports. The Committee will study Medicaid entitlements and programs in order to better understand the program, federally mandated changes and Medicaid options and alternatives. Priority #: 2 Assignments From 2011 Legislation The Committee is specifically assigned to follow up on significant new legislation involving governmental reorganization, including: Department of Employment/ Workforce Services merger; Department of Health reorganization study; Insurance Commission interstate compacts; at-will state executive employees; long-term care choices. The Committee will monitor these subjects and propose further implementing legislation as needed. Priority #: 3 Cost Containment Efforts The Committee will investigate cost containment efforts though all of the programs under its jurisdiction. Priority #: 4 Oversight Hearings The Committee will conduct general oversight hearings regarding the Department of Health and customer satisfaction feedback, funding for critical access hospitals, the Board of Medicine s implementation of physician licensure improvements and the Wyoming Cancer Control Act On May 9th and 10th the Labor, Health and Social Services (LHSS) joint committee met in Evanston for their first meeting of the interim. The discussion on the WNA Lobbyist Report first day focused primarily on the Medicaid system in our state. The Department of Health presented a large amount of information regarding the groups that receive Medicaid services. Wyoming spends approximately 1.2 billion dollars each biennium on Medicaid Services and the majority of those funds are being used on the elderly population. The Tuesday meeting focused on Mental Illness Parity and the committee heard reports from Mental Health Providers and then toured the State Hospital. The LHSS committee listened to a great deal of testimony in order to start thinking about and developing legislation in future meetings. The next meeting for LHSS will be held October in Casper. This is an open meeting and anyone is welcome to attend. The agenda and other information will be posted on the website at legisweb.state.wy.us

6 Page 6 Wyoming Nurse June, July, August 2011 District News Cheyenne District #1 Maria Kidner, DNP, President Well, for sure District 1 should become meteorologists as we have successfully continued the tradition of hosting events during snowy weather! This winter s events centered on legislative activities. We are honored and delighted to say that Toni Decklever is a District 1 member, so we are spoiled when it comes to excellent presentations on legislation. For two years we have been attempting a program we call, Mending Fences and Building Bridges. As life has it in the nursing world, many times student nurses feel intimidated by the working RN. District 1 has developed a program where RNs from all walks of life have agreed to mentor a student on a specific request or topic. We have plenty of RNs wanting to mentor, but only one student (from LCCC) so far has taken us up on the offer. However, that student wanted to learn more about oncology and even attended a conference with her mentor. We are in great hopes, and have patience with baby steps, that this project will grow. District 1 just ended our spring meetings with our annual Nurses Day celebration... with a snow storm. Eleven nurses braved the cold, rainy weather to join together for fellowship, laughter, poetry, and dinner. Every year we open the dinner for all students, nurses, and retired nurses. It is sad to know that our lives spin so fast in so many directions that it is a difficulty to find the time and effort to join with friends to celebrate Nurses Day. I can truly say that over the past five years WNA has grown from a gathering of nurses to an organization with a distinct purpose of promoting and growing our great profession. Despite the poor meeting turn outs, District 1 has decided that if we do not keep moving forward, we will lose the ability to show others the importance of the nursing role in our workplace, communities, and state. Therefore we have already planned exciting events for next fall including and educational venue on lymphadema, presentations from the ADN to BSN students, Mending Fences and Building Bridges: a mentorship program, and a spotlight on Wyoming Public Health Nursing. So if you live or work in the Cheyenne area, I recommend that you squeeze in some WNA time into your life as we (as register nurses) are a professional organization and the way you grow your professionalism is to be an active participant in your local nursing organization: the Wyoming Nurses Association. See you at the next meeting in September! Rock Springs District #6 R. David Bodily, BSN, RN, President District 6 celebrated Nurses Week by hosting a breakfast at Memorial Hospital of Sweetwater County. This event was well attended by WNA members, nurses from the community, retired nurses, and nursing students. We honored Jason Jones as our Nurse of the Year. Jason was selected from a nominee pool that was larger this year than in many years past. In recognition of the contributions of nursing to healthcare at all levels of community, the mayor of Rock Springs issued a proclamation urging the community to support our efforts. DNA 6 members continue to discuss forward-thinking ideas to further the cause of healthcare reform in Wyoming. District 6 Members and Rock Springs Mayor with Proclamation. Jeanne West, Kathy Luzmoor, and Robin Jenkins. Julie Leavitt and Jennifer Rogers. Gillette District #10 Rose Rennell, RN, President District 10 has been very busy the last few months. In April, our members sponsored a meet and greet wine and cheese social. This event was done to welcome several new members and the upcoming graduating nursing class. A great opportunity to get to know each other. In celebration of Nurses Week, we held our 18th Annual Nurse Award banquet. We had a record number of nominations. The nominations committee is grateful for a scoring grid we developed to select the award recipients. Outstanding Nursing Leadership: Deb Tonn, RN, MHA, VP of Patient Services for Campbell County Memorial Hospital Clinical Excellence: Natalie Tucker, RN, MS Education and Staff Development Community Health Promotion: Joli Carr, RN, BSN, Public Health Rising Star, Student nurse: Abigail Holswarth Following the award presentation we were entertained by Suzy Cox, portraying a Laundress from the civil war era. She is a member of the local Historical society whose reenactment was very educational and entertaining. Every year we hold a raffle to raise funds to support our nursing student scholarships. This year the raffle of a wine and chocolate basket raised over $500. We are proud to host the State Conference and have finalized the agenda. We have packed fun, education, and honoring our best nurses in the State into this two day event. We look forward to showing our hospitality and greeting all of you in September. Natalie Tucker, RN, MS Education and Staff Development Deb Tonn, RN, MHA, VP of Patient Services for Campbell County Memorial Hospital Joli Carr, RN, BSN, Public Health R. David Bodily and Jason Jones. Abigail Holswarth Suzy Cox, portraying a Laundress from the civil war era District News continued on page 7

7 June, July, August 2011 Wyoming Nurse Page 7 District News District News continued from page 6 District 12 Honors Jeanine Niemoller, RN, MSN On May 14, 2011, members of District 12 honored Jeanie Niemoller as their outgoing president during their Nurses Day Celebration and Luncheon. Jeanie has served two terms as District 12 President using a collaborative leadership style in which District 12 members work with members from Alpha Pi Chapter, Sigma Theta Tau to combine programming and professional activities for nurses Jeanine Niemoller in Albany County. Jeanie has inspired her colleagues by demonstrating her loyal support for ANA, WNA and District 12 professional nursing groups. While fulfilling her duties as President of District 12, Jeanie serves on the Board of Directors for WNA and as Chairperson of the WNA Awards Committee. In the past, she has nominated many nurses for nursing awards and has served as mentor, role model, and collaborative partner for many more nurses in Wyoming. Jeanie will receive a Past President s pin in recognition of her commitment to her professional organization. Her service as President of District 12 will be remembered for her ability to share her creative energy, positive attitude, and effective leadership with members of District 12, WNA and members of the Laramie community in a consistently caring way. Although her term as President ends, Jeanie will continue her active membership and participation in District 12 and WNA activities. We value her contributions to nursing and to her community. Laramie District #12 included a non-denominational thank you and blessing for the dedication and service of nurses in the Laramie community. Local pastoral care providers attended the celebration at St. Paul s Newman Center in Laramie and participated by sharing poetry, scripture, and blessings for nurses. During the luncheon, guest speaker, Flossie Vance, RN discussed Parish Nursing and Training available for nurses of all faiths. Flossie is a retired Pediatric nurse who administers a Parish Nurse Health practice in Cheyenne. She discussed the Parish Nurse Ministry roles of Health Educator, Health Counselor, and Referral Agent. Flossie emphasized that Parish Nursing is a team ministry coordinated by a parish nurse who works with clergy, medical, home health, and social services for the good of her parishioners. She discussed the history of health and healing as a vital part of the Christian gospel and explained that Parish Nursing is a natural vocation that is consistent with both the Christian environment and the art and science of nursing. The mission of the parish nurse is to provide physical, emotional, and spiritual support to members of the parish in a safe, caring and Christian community. Her presentation was well received by her audience and Flossie accepted an invitation to help Laramie nurses organize a Parish Nursing course. The luncheon was catered by Jeanie and Bob Niemoller, who provided a variety of delicious salads and desserts. Our thanks to Jeanie and the other members of District 12 who helped organize this event: Rebecca Carron, Caitlin Vasquez, Elizabeth Huffsmith, and Norma Wilkerson. Lander/Riverton District #14 District 14 has just elected a new District President in Marcy Elizabeth Clouser. At this time within the district information related to new President is being sent to all district members. Also, members are getting acquainted to one another and personal information is being compiled about district members. Hopefully within the near future monthly or quarterly meetings will take place within the district to allow for awareness of the Wyoming Nurses Association and enhance enrollment. Powell/Cody District #16 WNA District 16 has new officers with Michelle Hoyt as President, Sara Boardman as Vice-President, and Celia Solis continuing as Sec/Treas. We are planning on a meeting in June to discuss continuing scholarship awards as well as a possible meet and greet with our local legislators. We also will be encouraging attendance at the summit in September. We wish everyone a safe and happy summer. Non District WNA Members District #50 District 50 wanted to send their Congratulations to all nursing students and encourage them to join WNA. Wyoming Nurses Association, District 12 invited all Laramie nurses to attend a celebration and luncheon on May 14, 2011 in honor of Nurses Day. The celebration

8 Page 8 Wyoming Nurse June, July, August 2011 Nursing Summit & WNA Convention WNA Bus Trip to the Lodge at Deadwood Gaming Resort The Fay W. Whitney School of Nursing and the Wyoming Nurses Association invites health care leaders to participate in the Annual Wyoming Nursing Summit and the WNA Convention, September 22-24, 2011 held at the Clarion Inn in Gillette, Wyoming. This year s focus is on igniting the nursing passion. Thursday, September 22, 2011 The Wyoming Center for Nursing and Health Care Partnerships were currently finalizing their schedule when the Nurse went to print. Visit the website, for the complete agenda to be published by June 17th. The Nursing Summit begins on Thursday morning and ends at noon on Friday. Friday, September 23, :00 to 1:30 Lunch (Summit ends at noon and the WNA Annual Convention Begins) 1:15 to 2:15 Keynote speaker Sara L Jarrett, MS, CNS, EdD, CNE, RN Changing the Paradigm for Nursing: Professional Engagement in the 21st Century Changing the current paradigm is essential for the success and achievement of the preferred future of the profession of nursing. It is time to reframe and clearly articulate what it means to fully engage as a member of the profession. This change is best described by defining the nurse of the future in four contexts: advocacy, stewardship, citizenship and clinical competence. The presentation will include a discussion of the meaning and enactment of each of these contexts. 2:30 to 4:15 Panel Discussion Panel discussion Impact of ACA on Nursing s Future Overview of ACA and Moderator: Faith Jones; Acute Care: Deb Tonn, MHA, RN Vice President of Patient Care Services, Campbell County Memorial Hospital; Public Health: Reba Lindblom, BSN, RN, CLC, Campbell County Public Health; Long Term Care: Jeanine Niemoller, MS, RN-BC, Administrator, Extended Care Facility, Ivinson Memorial Hospital; Advanced Practice: Maria Kidner, DNP, FNP-BC, FAANP; Ambulatory Care: Elise Necklason, BSN, RN, Project Manager, Ambulatory Clinics, Campbell County Memorial Hospital 4:30 to 6:00 The Membership Voice 6:30 Dinner Banquet and Awards Presentations Saturday, September 24, :00-8:00 Walk To a Healthy Future 7:30-8:45 Breakfast 9:00-10:00 Angela C. Dougherty, J.D., M.P.A., B.S., Protecting Your Future error prevention 10:15-11:30 Mary Behrens, RN, MS, FNP-BC, The Future of Nursing around the World Nursing s future in VietNam WNA be offering an optional bus trip to Deadwood South Dakota, during the state convention in Gillette, Wyoming. On September 22 the bus will leave Gillette at 5 PM from the Clarion Hotel. Spouses and friends are very welcome to join us, same price, and same features. On the bus ride to Deadwood we will offer games, jokes and door prizes! The Lodge is Deadwood s newest gaming resort the spacious casino is a true gamers paradise featuring over 270 slot machines, a large table games area, and the live action of the Rounders Poker Room. Participants will experience first-class dining at the Deadwood Grille with chef-inspired Northern Black Hills cuisine. The $30.00 fee includes dinner at the Deadwood Grille located in The Lodge Casino. Registration Form Nursing Summit and WNA Convention September 22-24, 2011 Gillette, Wyoming Name: Address: City/State/Zip: Phone: Registration Option Online: Mail: WNA, 2816 Dogwood Ave, PMB 101, Gillette, WY 82718, make checks payable to WNA Questions: WNA ; Summit Registration Fees (Fees include materials, meals, and awards banquet) Fee Late Registration after 9/2/2011 Both Events (best value) $275 $295 WNA Only: Members $225 $245 WNA Only: Non Members $250 $270 Summit Only $100 $120 Student WNA Only $75 $95 Student Summit Only $50 $70 Additional Guest Banquet Tickets $30 $30 Thursday night trip to Deadwood $30 $50 administration processing fee will be assessed for cancellation after September 9th. Please send written confirmation. No refunds for no-shows. To pay by check use this form and mail with payment to WNA office. To pay by credit card go to to register and pay directly online. Registration for Deadwood, South Dakota Bus Trip on September 22, :00 PM to 12 AM Name: Additional attendees Additional attendees Additional attendees Phone or My signature on this waiver releases the Wyoming Nurses Association from any liability for the trip to and from Deadwood South Dakota and for any losses or injuries incurred in Deadwood. I include $30.00 per person: includes round trip bus ride, dinner and $5.00 gaming coupons. Signature date Accommodations Clarion Inn, 2009 South Douglas Highway, Gillette, WY Phone: Reservation must be made by September 12, The room rate is $74 and the block of rooms are under WNA or Wyoming Nurses Association Exhibitors and Sponsorships are Available for WNA Convention RESERVE YOUR SPACE TODAY! The Wyoming Nurses Association cordially invites you to exhibit at our annual convention and summit on Friday, September 23, 2011 at the Clarion Inn, Gillette Wyoming. Attendees will include nurses, nurse practitioners, educators, and students from all across Wyoming and various practice settings. This conference is granted to be one you and your company will not want to miss. Your business will be recognized for their support in both the program materials, association publications and signage during the convention. Exhibits will be open Friday, September 23, 2011 starting at 8:00 a.m., with a continental breakfast and registration. There will be two breaks, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. These times as well as time during the lunch break will be open for attendees to attend your table. This will give every conference attendee ample amount of time in front of YOU and your booth! Rates: General Sponsorship $500 Refreshment Break Sponsorship $300 Lunch Sponsorship $1000 Breakfast Sponsorship $600 Exhibit Display Fee $150 If you sponsor anyone of these things we will wave the display fee cost of $150, and you will be able to display with no additional cost. The deadline to be an exhibitor is August 15, Please visit the WNA website to download the exhibitor/sponsorship information or contact the WNA office by at tobilyon@wyonurse.org or phone at for more information about becoming an exhibitor or interested in learning more about the sponsorship opportunities and benefits.

9 June, July, August 2011 Wyoming Nurse Page 9 Other News Wyoming Center for Nursing and Health Care Partnerships Corner Mary E. Burman, Co-Chair, WCNHCP Advisory Board Matt Sholty, Office Associate, WCNHCP Nurse Educators and Nursing Education in Wyoming As part of a grant from the Wyoming Workforce Development Council, The Wyoming Center for Nursing and Health Care Partnerships collaborated with the UW Nightingale Center for Nursing Scholarship to undertake a survey to gain a clearer picture of the status of nurse educators and nursing education in Wyoming. The survey targeted three different groups of nurses: Nurse educators, nurses in direct patient care positions and nurse administrators. Each group was asked questions about their involvement in nursing education. For example, nurses in direct care positions were asked about whether they served as preceptors for nursing students and how they had been oriented to the preceptor role. Nursing administrators were asked what their organization s current involvement was in nursing education. Nurse educators responded to questions about their teaching responsibilities and factors related to satisfaction as an educator. Thanks to all of you who responded to the survey; 147 direct care nurses, 84 administrators and 71 educators returned the survey. In this column, we highlight some of the key findings. You will be able to find the full report on the WCNHCP website this summer. These findings are very useful as we work to transform nursing education in Wyoming. Direct Patient Care Nurses and Nurse Administrators Almost half of the nurses in direct patient care reported that they had served as a preceptor for nursing students, including LPN, RN and advanced practice nursing students. However, most nurses report that they do not receive formal preceptor training (73%). Nurses were asked if they thought their unit or facility could accept more students. Over a third (36%) of nurses reported there was more capacity while 36% said they weren t sure. For the 28% that felt the unit/facility could not take more students, the most common reason was lack of space. Nurse administrators reported that nursing students were being educated on a variety of units in their facilities, including medical, surgical, obstetrics, psychiatric, pediatric and intensive care units. Administrators were more likely than nurses in direct patient care to feel that their facility had additional capacity to take more students. Forty-seven percent reported they could take more students, while 31% were unsure. Similar to nurses in direct patient care, for those who felt their facilities could not take more students, lack of space was the biggest barrier. Nurse Educators Consistent with the demographics of nurse educators nationally, the typical nurse educator in Wyoming is white, female and between 55 and 64 years of age. The majority of the respondents worked in an associate degree program (63.5%) and estimated that they worked 47 hours a week. Most nurse educators reported teaching both didactic and clinical courses. Over 50% of nurse educators also have a second job as a nurse, usually in a clinical setting. Nurse educators reported that they became nurse educators because they wanted to work with students, they were encouraged by others to become educators, and they desired to shape the profession of nursing. The intellectually stimulating environment, flexibility of the job, and working with students were factors that keep nurse educators in education. Workload, work hours and salary were the factors that would make nurse educators think about leaving education. Almost two-thirds of nurse educators agreed or strongly agreed that they would choose to be in their current position in their current college/university. Nurse educators were generally satisfied with their positions in education. Nurse educators were satisfied with their opportunities for professional development, especially the opportunity to use their nursing skills and to learn new skills. Nurse educators were satisfied with interpersonal factors, especially the skill and knowledge of their co-workers. They were also satisfied with their compensation including salary and employee benefits. The only area that nurse educators were less satisfied with was the amount of paperwork required. Wyoming Nurse Leadership Institute (WNLI) About 10% of nurse educators reported they were planning to leave their nurse educator position within the next 12 months, usually for further education or to take another position in nursing education. Interestingly, nurse educators are strongly tied to their communities. Fifty-two percent agreed or strongly agreed with the statement, I am tied to this community and can t leave. On average, nurse educators had lived in their current communities almost 21 years. The most frequent reasons for living in their communities included their own job, their spouse/partner s job and proximity to family. What do these findings mean for Wyoming nurses and nursing education? Clearly, we need to talk collectively about how to ensure that educational institutions and clinical facilities partner in a meaningful way to provide the best experiences for nursing students so that we develop strong nursing clinicians. In addition, we need to address the aging of nurse educators, focusing on maintaining strong satisfaction of the current nurse educators and simultaneously recruiting younger nurses into education. The WCNHCP is the nursing workforce center for the State of Wyoming. The mission of the center is to strengthen the nursing workforce through on-going collaboration, communication, and consensus building to meet the health needs of the people of Wyoming. For further information, please visit the WCNHCP s webpage at wynursing.org. by Veronica Taylor and Sue Howard Our second annual extremely successful WNLI completed April 9 th, Ten participants started and ten completed the program including Sherry Bailey (Gillette), Amy Hawk (Gillette), Deb Bullock (Gillette), Hollie Kruel (Gillette), Michele Hoyt (Powell), Michelle Carlton (Sheridan), Pam Smith (Laramie), Deb Dawson (Laramie), Bridget Truempler (Riverton) and Kelly Politte (Casper). The participants this year included nurses working at many levels of leadership: managers, directors, and clinical supervisors. The composition of the group was varied including very experienced and fairly new nurses. Most are employed in acute care settings with one nursing faculty member. The one characteristic that all participants shared was a love and excitement for the nursing profession. These dedicated nurses completed four sessions with topics on leadership, self-assessment and development plan, personality awareness, accreditation, quality improvement, evidence based practice, legislation and policy development, education of nurses, and regulatory issues. Education presentations were provided by experienced nursing leaders in Wyoming. A mock hearing allowed participants to experience a board of nursing hearing and discuss interpretation of the nurse practice act and rules and regulations. An online resource was developed to assist with management concepts including financial and human resources. This resource was facilitated by Faith Jones, RN, MS, and President of WNA. The second session included a workshop called Leading an Empowered Organization (LEO) by Donna Wright, RN, MSN from Creative Healthcare Management. Each participant was paired with an experienced leader in nursing in WY for a mentorship program to provide networking and resources. Projects that the participants completed included: Evaluating a Breast Feeding Education Project, Staff empowerment, Unit Orientation, Documentation on a Behavioral Health Unit, Referrals and discharge planning to a hospice program, Competencies in ICU, Rounding, and Self-scheduling. Each project included assessing the need, planning the change, implementation plan and evaluation for effectiveness. Participants presented their projects for discussion and sharing resources. At the end of the eight month program it was hard to say goodbye since new friendships and networking was established. One participant stated she would set up a social network for all to participate in. Contact information was shared and will be useful as each nurse leader grows and evolves. Next year s WNLI is in the planning stages already. The Wyoming Center for Nurses and Healthcare Partnerships (WCNHCP) has applied for another grant from Robert Wood Johnson with an emphasis on meeting the goals of the IOM report on nursing. The leadership institute fits those goals and focuses on developing nurse leaders throughout Wyoming. If the grant and funding become available WNLI will reach the western part of the state; it will include LEO again; it will continue the development of the online resource; it will provide the four sessions as it has in the past and will also offer an alternate option of an intensive four day session with an emphasis on long term care to reach nurse leaders who cannot get away four times a year. WNA and the WCNHCP have developed a partnership to provide this resource to our nursing leaders. Dates have been set for WNLI for the year: WNLI tradition 4 sessions: 1. 1st session Gillette in conjunction with Nursing Summit and WNA Sept 20-22nd. 2. 2nd session LEO Nov (dependent upon grant funds) Location TBA 3. 3rd session Cheyenne in conjunction with WNA legislative days Feb th session Casper, April WNLI Intensive session (emphasis on LTC) Oct TBA central western part of the state The intensive session will also offer LEO on Nov and will include the online resources. We hope to see many of you enrolled in this great leadership opportunity. Questions please contact Veronica Taylor, RN, MS (vftaylor@gmail.com) or Sue Howard, RN, MS (howardsm@ ccmh.net). Applications will be available on the WNA website.

10 Page 10 Wyoming Nurse June, July, August 2011 WNA Practice Committee The practice committee was asked the following question: there is a patient who is making accusations towards the nursing staff that are quite serious. Accusations of abuse, nurses drinking on the job, hitting, retaliate, etc. All complaints and accusations have been investigated and unfounded. What should nurses do in this situation? We have all been assigned one or more patients that are very manipulative and love to stir the pot during our career as nurses. The practice committee contacted Todd Berger, MSN, RN Assistant Executive Director Wyoming State Board of Nursing (WSBN) to get the WSBN option on where the board stands with handling patients like this. He replied the WSBN would not have a position on how this should be handled, but, if a complaint was not verifiable, the board would not take action. According to the American Nursing Association, the first step a nurse needs to do is to make sure that identified risks should be communicated through the appropriate institutional channels so adequate safeguards can be initiated (Association, 2006). When there is a patient that is putting the staff at risk by attacking the very soul of nursing that we nurses cherish, and hold ourselves to high standards regarding, then something needs to be done. Accusing nurses of drinking on the job and abusing patients requires investigation, and if, meritless, requires that we protect the nursing staff and their hard earned licenses. According to the Code of Ethics for Nurses with Interpretive Statements (ANA 2001, p.20), this very issue is addressed as follows: A nurse has a moral option of refusing to participate in care when placed in situations of compromise that exceed acceptable moral limits What is a Nurse to do? or involve violations of the moral standards of profession, whether in direct patient care or in any other forms of nursing practice. A nurse may also morally refuse to participate in care of a given individual on the grounds of patient advocacy when specific interventions or practices are intrinsically morally objectionable, are inappropriate for the patient, may harm the patient, or jeopardize nursing practice. The nurse who decides not to take part on the grounds of conscientious objection must communicate this decision in appropriate ways. Whenever possible, such refusal should be made known in advance and in time for alternate arrangements to be made for patient care. Conscientious objection may not insulate the nurse against formal or informal penalty. Moral objections by the nurse do not include personal preference, prejudice, convenience, or arbitrariness. When moral objection is made, the nurse is obligated to provide for the patient s safety and assure that alternate sources of nursing care are available. With this said, many of us do not have the option to refuse taking care of these types of patients. With the nursing shortage and living in a state that has small community hospitals, a limited availability of staffing is a concern. Finding alternative ways of taking care of patients like this is a must. Some ways of achieving safety for staff is to do, like the old saying says safety in pairs, always have two or more staff members present when taking care Other News of the patient. Proper documentation of inappropriate patient behaviors is a must. Finally, consider developing a contract with the patient stating which behaviors will not be tolerated and why, and have the patient, Director of Nursing, Physician, and family sign. We will always have these types of patients however, with a few protective measures, we can make sure that no harm comes to the patient or staff. References American Nursing Association. (2001). Code of ethics for nurses with interpretive statements. American Nursing Association. (2006, June 21). Position Statement Risk and Responsibility. Retrieved January 2011, from American Nursing Association: American Nursing Association. (2002). Preventing workplace violence. Occupational Health & Safety Series [on-line]. Retrieved March OSHA. (2002). Workplace violence affects health care and social service workers. Retrieved March Berger, T. (2011, February 2). Assistant Executive Director WSBN. Practice Committee members: Tammy Krell MSN, RN Chair Lynn Rogers MN Melissa Foster, DNP, FNP-C Lisa Silcox RN Jenny Daniels MS, RN Laura Eliott RN We welcome any other practice questions that need researching. We would also extend an invitation to any Nursing Association members who would want to assist on issues in the future and join our committee. You may send questions or your request to be on the committee to Tammy Krell at tkrell@wwcc. wy.edu or P.O. Box 2430 Evanston WY Thank you the committee.

11 June, July, August 2011 Wyoming Nurse Page 11 Wyoming Association Membership Application PMB 101, 2816 Dogwood Avenue Gillette, WY Phone: WNA Payment Schedule *last name / first name / middle initial credentials/ social security # Annual Payment *EDPP Payroll Full Deduction Annual Payment *EDPP Payroll Full Deduction *street or po box # basic school of nursing/ home phone *city / state / zip graduation: month / year work phone employer name *r. n. license # fax employer address / city / state / zip title / position major clinical, practice, or teaching area Recruited by Full ANA/WNA Membership RN employed full or part time Membership Categories please check one Reduced 50% of Full ANA/WNA Membership Dues (NEW GRADUATES) RN who is unemployed - or - over 62 years of age & earning less than maximum allowed receiving Social Security benefits - or - enrolled in baccalaureate, masters or doctoral program, at least 20 credit hours per year - or - RN first year, within six (6) months after graduation Reduced 75% of Full ANA/WNA Membership Dues (Retired) - RN who is over 62 years of age and unemployed - or - who is totally disabled WNA ONLY MEMBERSHIP RN employed full or part time Full Annual Payment by Check Payment Options Pay by Electronic Dues Payment Plan (EDPP) Read, sign the authorization, and enclose a check for the first month s payment (amount shown in bold above); one-twelfth (1/12) of your annual dues will be withdrawn from that checking account monthly, in addition to an annual $6.00 (50 per month) service fee (total is amount above). Authorization: This authorizes ANA to withdraw 1/12 of my annual dues and any additional service fees from the checking account designated by the enclosed check for the first month s payment. ANA is authorized to change the amount by giving the undersigned 30 days written notice. The undersigned may cancel this authorization upon receipt by ANA of written confirmation of termination 20 days prior to the deduction date as designated above. ANA will charge a $5.00 fee for return drafts. Signature for EDPP Authorization: Pay by Credit Card Full annual payment automatic annual credit card payment (automatic renewal) Monthly payment from credit card Full annual payment one year only Visa/MasterCard Expiration date WY #01 Cheyenne: Member Full - $ $23.08 $22.58 Reduced Full - $ $11.79 $11.29 Special Full - $67.75 $6.15 $5.65 WY #02 Casper: Member Full - $ $21.88 $21.38 Reduced Full - $ $11.19 $10.69 Special Full - $64.13 $5.85 $5.34 WY #03 Sheridan: Member Full - $ $22.04 $21.54 Reduced Full - $ $11.27 $10.77 Special Full - $64.63 $5.89 $5.95 WY #06 Rock Springs: Member Full - $ $21.92 $21.42 Reduced Full - $ $11.21 $10.71 Special Full - $64.25 $5.86 $5.35 WY #10 Gillette: WY #14 Lander and Riverton WY#15 Torrington: Member Full - $ $22.25 $21.75 Reduced Full - $ $11.38 $10.88 Special Full - $65.25 $5.94 $5.44 Make Check Payable to: American Nurses Association Send Check & Application to: Wyoming Nurses Association PMB Dogwood Avenue Gillette, WY Phone: WY #12 Laramie: Member Full - $ $24.33 $23.83 Reduced Full - $ $12.42 $11.92 Special Full - $71.50 $6.46 $5.96 WY #17 Evanston/Kemmerer: Member Full - $ $21.83 $21.33 Reduced Full - $ $11.17 $10.67 Special Full - $64.00 $5.83 $5.33 WY #16 Cody/Powell WY #50 Undistricted: Member Full - $ $21.42 $20.92 Reduced Full - $ $10.96 $10.46 Special Full - $62.75 $5.73 $5.23 WNA Only State Membership Member Full $177 $15.25 $14.75 * Includes a $0.50 service charge Electronic direct payment plan Welcome New WNA Members WNA Only Brenda Burnett, Cheyenne Kaci Dilworth, Powell Norine Kasperik, Gillette Louise Posten, Gillette District 1 Lee Carruthers, Cheyenne Cheryl Hubbard, Cheyenne Kristine Martino, Cheyenne Kay Wagner, Cheyenne Jean Zloinke, Cheyenne District 2 Charlotte Belisle, Nevada City, CA Marianne Madariaga, Casper Laura Wiskeman, Casper District 3 Juli Harbour, Sheridan District 6 Patty Nieters, Green River Dorita Pool, Green River District 10 Deb Bullock, Gillette Erin Carlson, Gillette Amy Hawk, Gillette District 16 Micaleen Fulkerson, Cody Jean Tew, Powell District 17 Corrie Carver, Evanston