Posted Nov. 6, 2009

Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF) announced the winners of its Nurse Researcher Grants for 2009.The grants, designed to improve the quality of care and life for young cancer patients and their families, will total nearly $250,000 over a 2-year period.

The grant categories, the winners, their facilities and their research projects include:

Mentored Nurse Researcher
Rita Secola, RN, MSN, CPON
Children's Hospital of Los Angeles
$26,300 over 2 years
Central venous catheter related bloodstream infections in pediatric cancer.
For the majority of children diagnosed with cancer every year, treatment will include the use of a central venous catheter (CVC). The CVC maintains reliable intravenous access for medications and treatments, but is also associated with a risk of infection. This risk is particularly important in children with cancer because their immune function remains decreased throughout the treatment period. This research study hopes to reduce CVC related infections in children with cancer.

Intermediate Nurse Researcher
Mary Nelson, MS, RN, CPNP
Children's Hospital of Los Angeles
$20,000 over 2 years
Neuronal damage, neurocognitive losses and quality of life following high-dose chemotherapy in children with brain tumors.
For those who survive brain tumors, neurocognitive deficits are common in the areas of memory, problem-solving and planning. These deficits have been linked not only to poor educational attainment, but also to behavioral and social difficulties, all of which may contribute to poor quality of life. There is some evidence chemotherapy alone may contribute to cognitive effects in patients, but there is little research in the area of these effects in children treated in this manner for brain tumors. The overall objective of this study is to determine whether children treated with high-dose chemotherapy for brain tumors will display key areas of white matter and gray matter injury due to this treatment, which results in deficits in cognitive functioning and decreased quality of life.

Independent Nurse Researcher
Ki Moore, DNSc, RN, FAAN
University of Arizona
$100,000 over 2 years
Effects of CNS treatment on Hippocampus
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common pediatric tumor among children and adolescents in the United States. Central nervous system (CNS) treatment has significantly contributed to the dramatic improvement in long-term disease-free survival of these patients by preventing disease relapse in the brain. Unfortunately, CNS treatment is frequently associated with long-term cognitive and academic problems. Despite problems associated with CNS treatment, little is known about the mechanisms of injury to the hippocampus and even less is known about changes in expression of genes involved in responses to brain injury and cognitive abilities. The purpose of this research is to investigate the effects of methotrexate on the hippocampus. Findings may be used to develop therapeutic strategies to protect the brain from injury, promote synaptic plasticity, and improve cognitive outcomes among the ever increasing numbers of children who are long-term survivors of ALL.

Independent Nurse Researcher
University of California San Francisco
$100,000 over 2 years
Tina Baggott, PhD
Pilot study of the feasibility and acceptability of an interactive computerized symptom assessment tool to assess the disease and treatment-related symptoms experienced by children with cancer.
The use of Patient Report Outcomes in research and clinical care has increased substantially in recent years. Multiple challenges exist when researchers and clinicians collect symptom data from children. One goal of this research is to determine the feasibility and usefulness of a novel interactive computerized symptom assessment tool (SiSom) to be used in both clinical practice and research. The number and type of symptoms reported by children and their parents using a standardized symptom checklist will be compared to the SiSom system. In addition, children's symptom reports will be compared to parent reports.

ALSF added the Nurse Researcher Grant program to an already successful and innovative pediatric research grant program in 2007. Plans are to expand upon this commitment to helping pediatric nurses in 2010 with the first ALSF Nurse Researcher Workshop. The free workshop, slated for April 26-27 in Philadelphia, will be designed to help nurses learn the mechanics of creating a research proposal, securing funds, carrying out research and disseminating findings. ALSF will also cover travel and lodging expenses for those eligible.

For more information on the Nurse Researcher Grant Program and the upcoming workshop, visit www.ALSFgrants.org

For more about the origins of Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation which emerged from the front yard lemonade stand of cancer patient Alexandra "Alex" Scott (1996-2004) click here. 

Posted Nov. 5, 2009

The Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) recently released a set of interdisciplinary guidelines to help healthcare organizations safely implement and use smart infusion pumps.

Smart infusion pumps contain software that allows healthcare organizations to create internal medication libraries with dosing guidelines for drugs given intravenously. This helps prevent errors with the amount or rate of medication administered to patients. Users are alerted to potential errors before drug administration begins, and alerts will warn them to recheck the pump setting before proceeding.

In 2007, ISMP formed a steering committee to discuss how smart infusion pumps can best be used to help prevent intravenous drug errors. The committee identified three areas in which to provide assistance - implementation, drug library development, and best use of information provided by the pumps to help prevent future errors from occurring. A national summit was convened to develop a set of guidelines.

The summit, supported by Baxter, B. Braun, CareFusion (formerly Cardinal Health), Hospira and Smith's Medical, brought together healthcare professionals, biomedical engineers, vendors, and representatives from facilities with experience in using this technology. The group created guidelines that focus on a collaborative approach to implementing smart infusion pumps. They also address the limitations of smart pumps and considerations healthcare organizations should keep in mind when using these devices. 

To view a copy of ISMP's smart infusion pump summit proceedings and safe implementation and use guidelines, click here. 

The American Nurses Association has examined the Affordable Health Care for America Act, introduced in late October by the U.S. House of Representatives, and finds there's a lot in it pertaining to nurses.

For instance, the bill would create programs aimed at building the workforce and reimbursing more for services provided by nurse practitioners. Additionally, according to ANA, the bill would, among other things, do the following for nurses.

• Pour a lot of money into educating nurses - an additional $638 million over the next 5 years for various nursing programs to be appropriated from the Public Health Investment Fund. Currently the fund is worth $171 million.
• Increase loan repayment benefits for students and faculty.
• Increase Medicare payment rate by 5 percent for primary care services of primary care practitioners - including nurse practitioners. Eligible practitioners practicing in health professions shortage areas receive an additional 5 percent.
• Establish a demonstration program to reduce the student-to-school nurse ratio in public elementary and secondary schools.
• Authorize nurse practitioners to lead various new models of coordinated care, including the "medical home" and Independence at Home pilot program.
• Create transparency in nursing homes by detailing its staffing ratios, patient census and staff turnover rates on Centers for Medicare & Medicaid's Nursing Home Compare Web site. The bill would also include whistleblower protection for employees who complain in good faith about the quality of care or services at a skilled nursing facility.

Read ANA's full synopsis of the bill here.

-Stacey Miller

Posted Nov. 3, 2009

Among the many honors and awards announced at the Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) annual conference in Baltimore Oct. 7-10 was the induction of eight nurses as fellows of the Academy of Emergency Nursing (AEN). Established in 2004, AEN honors emergency nurses who have made substantial and enduring contributions to the profession of emergency nursing. The 2009 AEN inductees include:

• Nancy Bonalumi, MSN, RN, CEN, past president of the ENA and current director of a national ED consulting company;
• Kathleen Carlson, MSN, RN, CEN, of Hampton, VA;
• Gordon Gillespie, PhD, RN, CEN, CCRN, CPEN, assistant professor at the University of Cincinnati College of Nursing;
• Denise Ramponi, MSN, RN, CEN, APRN-BC, DNP-S, nurse practitioner and physician assistant supervisor in the ED at Heritage Valley Health System in Beaver, PA;
• Ellen Ruja, MSN, RN, CEN, staff nurse at the Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston;
• S. Kay Dedlak, MS, RN, CEN, a nursing instructor at Western Nevada College in Carson City;
• Audrey Snyder, PhD, RN, ACNP-BC, CEN, FAANP, a professor in acute/specialty care in the Center for the Study of Complementary & Alternative Therapies at the University of Virginia School of Nursing; and
• Gayle Walker-Cillo, MSN/EdD, RN, CEN, CPEN, an ED clinician at Morristown Memorial Hospital in New Jersey.

The new AEN fellows join the 62 fellows inducted since 2005, and they will add FAEN to their credentials, indicating their fellow status.

Posted Nov. 2, 2009

To assist nurses desirous of participating as H1N1 vaccinators, the Office of Preparedness and Response (OP&R) of the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) requested development of an intramuscular refresher/training program.

The Institute for Johns Hopkins Nursing (IJHN) was chosen to design and implement the program. A grant provided by DHMH OP&R provides funding to educate nurses across the state on the knowledge and skills to effectively administer intra-muscular (IM) vaccine injections.

The Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing (JHUSON) and the IJHN quickly put together a program with two components:

1) a self-paced online continuing education activity that illustrates the skills of IM vaccine administration and child restraint; and
2) a skill-competency program provided in 4-hour "train the trainer" sessions.

Online training went live on Sept. 29, and will be available on the IJHN Web site http://www.nursing.jhu.edu the next 2 years. The "train-the-trainer" sessions were held Oct. 1-2.

Nurses who complete the online program and post-test through the IJHN Web site will receive contact hours and a downloadable certificate of completion of the online portion of the program.

Upon completion of the online theoretical portion, nurses are able to then take the hands-on certification portion of the course. The hands-on portion of the course provides nurses with additional validation of skills and competency in the actual administration of IM injections.

"These training sessions will prove to be an invaluable tool for nurses who have to administer vaccinations to a variety of patients," said IJHN executive director Jane Shivnan and a project planning committee member.

Others on the committee included Associate Dean for Academic Affairs Pamela Jeffries, DNS, RN, FAAN, ANEF; instructor Diane Aschenbrenner, APRN, MS, RN, CS; and instructional designer Emily Jones.

Posted Nov. 2, 2009

Clinical Inservices Solutions, LLC announced its CEO, Debra Braun, BS, RN, CEN, has been invited to join Sigma Theta Tau International, Nursing's Honor Society.   

Braun is recognized by the society as a nurse leader for her achievements in nursing, education, curriculum development and entrepreneurial success. The official induction ceremony is planned for Dec. 9.

"I am extremely proud to be included in this elite group of nursing professionals," says Braun. "As a nurse and an educator it is extremely fulfilling to work with patients, advocate for nurses and to offer solutions for adapting clinical workflow through the implementation of medical technologies. There are countless opportunities for nurses to practice safely while bringing the art of nursing to everything they touch."

Clinical Inservices Solutions provides implementation and training support to clinical end-users, as well as change management strategies and workflow efficiencies that aid in increasing adoption of medical technologies.

"We partner with technology vendors to provide experienced nurse educators who understand patient care and clinical workflow," Braun says. "Our peer-to-peer connections and knowledge of the clinical environment allow us to work more effectively with clinical ends users than sales-driven implementation solutions." 

Raleigh, NC-based Clinical Inservices Solutions is currently under contract with several national medical technology vendors who provide hospitals and healthcare systems with patient protection systems, EMR, voice-activated charting, nurse call systems and asset tracking systems.

Braun previously worked in emergency medicine and clinical education for more than 20 years. She has also worked in corporate IT, delivering medical technology implementation and training solutions. She is a member of the Healthcare Information & Management Systems Society (HIMSS) Nursing Informatics Group, the RFID in Healthcare Consortium, American Trauma Society, Emergency Nurses Association, and serves on the National Faculty for Trauma Nursing.

Founded in 1922, the Nursing Honor Society has inducted more than 400,000 members in 86 countries. Members include practicing nurses, instructors, researchers, policymakers, entrepreneurs and others. To learn more visit www.nursingsociety.org.

To learn more about Clinical Inservices Solutions, LLC, visit www.cis4training.com.   

Posted Oct. 30, 2009

In a letter to the CDC, the American Nurses Association has expressed deep concern about shortages of fitted N-95 respirators, the equipment CDC recommends as the minimum level of respiratory protection for healthcare workers who could be exposed to the H1N1 virus.

Several state nurses associations have told ANA nurses are indicating difficulties in obtaining the N-95 respirators on the job, and hospitals in their states are reporting shortages of the N-95s.

ANA also questioned a strategy outlined by CDC whereby N-95 respirator use would be prioritized for healthcare personnel where shortages exist, leaving other workers to use facemasks. ANA said it is widely acknowledged facemasks were not intended to be "personal protective equipment," calling facemasks merely a "better than nothing" device since they don't filter airborne particles and they do leak.

"Registered nurses want to come to work and do our jobs to take care of patients. We historically have put patients' needs ahead of our own," said ANA President Rebecca M. Patton, MSN, RN, CNOR. "So it's absolutely essential to have adequate protection from exposure to the H1N1 virus. If nurses get sick and can't come to work, who will take care of patients? It is reasonable to hold our employers accountable for providing necessary equipment to protect the safety of healthcare employees and our patients.

"Considering all the national planning that has taken place in the past few years to prepare to respond to a pandemic, it is inexcusable to be facing shortages of personal protective equipment at this stage," Patton continued. "Employers need to improve their commitment to support and protect RNs and all other direct healthcare workers so we can safely care for patients without putting ourselves and patients at undue risk and harm."

Posted Oct. 28, 2009

Recognizing H1N1 virus as a pandemic and a public health emergency, the American Nurses Association (ANA) is urging all registered nurses to get the H1N1 vaccine to protect themselves, their families, and the patients they serve.

Though ANA continues to oppose mandatory seasonal influenza vaccine policies, it also acknowledges the public health threat posed by the novel H1N1 virus will spur employers to enact mandatory H1N1 vaccination policies for healthcare workers as a safety measure.

ANA does not support such policies unless they adhere to certain guidelines to ensure they are fair, equitable, and not enforced as a condition of employment.

ANA believes mandatory H1N1 vaccination policies should only be implemented under these conditions:

• The mandatory policy comes from the highest level of legal authority, ideally state government.
• Suitable [flu shot] exemptions, such as for those allergic to components of the vaccine, are included.
• Discriminating against or disciplining nurses who choose not to participate is prohibited.
• The policy is part of a comprehensive infection control program that includes personal protective equipment, such as N95 respirators, to increase safety.
• Vaccinations are free and provided at convenient times and locations to foster compliance.
• The employer negotiates with worker union representatives to resolve any differences when the policy is implemented at a healthcare facility.

ANA reiterates its protection of nurses' workplace rights should not be confused with the message ANA is delivering to nurses: Get the H1N1 vaccine.

To promote vaccination, ANA is sending a letter to its members and to affiliated specialty nursing organizations encouraging immunization for H1N1 and seasonal influenza.

"ANA understands the potential need for a mandatory vaccination policy during a pandemic, but we are committed to ensuring that such policies are not discriminatory or punitive and contain appropriate exemptions," ANA President Rebecca M. Patton, MSN, RN, CNOR, said in a prepared statement. "The bottom line is no registered nurse should be fired for not being vaccinated. That said, we should all be vaccinated, since no one has immunity to this new H1N1 strain. While some groups may be more vulnerable to severe illness and death, we are all susceptible."

Noting the seasonal influenza vaccination rate for nurses and all healthcare workers consistently remains below 50 percent, Patton added:

"As nurses, we have an ethical obligation to protect ourselves, our patients and our families from illness. Vaccination is one simple step we can take to do that, and it's even more crucial during this H1N1 pandemic. We strongly encourage nurses to lead the way to increasing vaccination rates among healthcare workers."

Posted Oct. 28, 2009

The Harvard Health Publications Division of Harvard Medical School has launched an iPhone application focused on the H1N1 flu pandemic.

The H1N1 iPhone application includes science-based information on the state of the pandemic's spread; practical steps people can take to mitigate their risk of infection; key symptoms to watch for; and how to act in case of a suspected infection.  

The application includes video content as well as text, animated illustrations and links to government databases.  In addition, the application provides businesses with specific information on how to best prepare their enterprises for managing through the pandemic, developed in collaboration with Harvard Business School Publishing.

Since the first outbreak of the H1N1 flu earlier this year there have been more than 180,000 cases of infection globally, according to the World Health Organization, and the White House has called 160 million infections, with 90,000 deaths this winter a plausible scenario for the U.S. 

The H1N1 iPhone application is the first of a series of such applications to be part of HMSMobile from Harvard Medical School and The Imagine Network. Over time, HMSMobile plans to expand its offerings to include content for additional platforms beyond the iPhone series as different mobile devices add similar functionality.

Posted Oct. 27, 2009

The Kaplan Higher Education School of Nursing announced the appointment of Judith Burckhardt, PhD, RN, as Vice President of Strategic Development. In this role, she will be responsible for helping the nursing school establish strategic partnerships, unify curricula across the organization's campus-based nursing programs and implement licensing preparation into the curriculum.

Burckhardt comes to Kaplan Higher Education from sister company Kaplan Test Preparation and Admissions, where she spent 18 years helping to build the success of its nursing programs. She served in a number of roles at Kaplan Test Prep, including vice president, executive director and director of nursing. In these roles, she oversaw the strategic planning, budgeting and operational responsibilities for national and international NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN review courses and Integrated Testing Programs for nursing schools.

Burckhardt also briefly worked for Kaplan Higher Education in 2000 when she served as Dean of the Kaplan College School of Nursing in Boston. She has also taught in schools in Missouri including St. Louis Community College, Florissant Valley and Maryville University.

Burckhardt earned her PhD in educational administration at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln, a master's degree in education (adult education) from Washington University in St. Louis and a bachelor's degree in nursing from Loyola University in Chicago. She lives in St. Louis.

The Kaplan Higher Education School of Nursing offers students a full spectrum of opportunities to pursue online and campus-based nursing education. Its programs range from certificates for entry-level healthcare positions to professional degrees that prepare graduates for nurse leadership positions. 

Posted Oct. 26, 2009

American Organization of Nurse Executives (AONE) president Donna Herrin-Griffith, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, CENP, FACHE, recently addressed a national forum held by the Initiative on the Future of Nursing at the Institute of Medicine (IOM).  

The project, supported by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF), addressed nursing challenges and solutions to improving healthcare. Herrin-Griffith is clinical associate professor at school of nursing at the University of Alabama, Huntsville, and senior advisor for patient care at Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare in Memphis.

In her remarks, Herrin-Griffith highlighted the executive competencies required of a professional nurse leader; the AONE view of future patient care delivery; the role of the practice environment; and the value of nursing to achieving quality, safe, accessible and affordable patient-centered care.  

Herrin-Griffith also detailed the AONE Transforming Care at the Bedside (TCAB) initiative, a program based on the pioneering work done by RWJF and the Institute for Healthcare Improvement. TCAB, currently employed in more than 50 hospitals, is a set of practical, easy-to-use tools designed to improve the quality and safety of patient care on medical and surgical units. 

"Through TCAB, acute-care nurses at the unit level are able to institute changes at the point of care that have resulted in improved patient care and nursing practice outcomes," she said.

The Initiative on the Future of Nursing is a 2-year effort of the IOM and RWJF to "find solutions to the issues that continue to challenge the nursing profession and the patients they serve, and to build upon the solutions nursing can provide in improving quality and patient care." 

An IOM study committee has been created to examine the capacity of the nursing workforce to meet the demands of a reformed healthcare and public health system. The committee's charge is to develop a set of national recommendations and agenda for action on nursing, including changes in public and institutional policies at the federal, state and local levels.

The first of three national forums focused on acute care settings, it was held at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. The second forum in the series is scheduled for December 3 in Philadelphia with a focus on primary care, community health and public health. The third and final forum is scheduled in Houston, Feb. 22, 2010, and will focus on education.

Posted Oct. 23, 2009

HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius today announced plans to establish the nation's first national resource center to assist communities across the country in their efforts to provide services and supports for older lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) individuals. 

According to HHS, experts estimate that as many as 4 million LGBT individuals are age 60 and older, but agencies that provide services to older individuals may be unfamiliar or uncomfortable with the needs of this group of individuals.

The new Resource Center for LGBT Elders will provide information, assistance and resources for both LGBT organizations and mainstream aging services providers at the state and community level to assist them in the development and provision of culturally sensitive supports and services.

The LGBT Center will also be available to educate the LGBT community about the importance of planning ahead for future long term care needs.

Additionally, the center will help community-based organizations understand the unique needs and concerns of older LGBT individuals and assist them in implementing programs for local service providers, including providing help to LGBT caregivers who are providing care for an older partner with health or other challenges. 

The Administration on Aging will award a single Resource Center grant at approximately $250,000 per year, pending availability of funds. Eligible entities will include public-private nonprofit organizations with experience working on LGBT issues on a national level.

Posted Oct. 22, 2009

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) announced the selection of 15 outstanding nursing faculty members from across the country to participate in its prestigious Nurse Faculty Scholar program.

The program will provide $28 million over the next 5 years to selected junior nursing faculty to promote academic careers and reduce the national nurse and nurse faculty shortages. This is the second cohort of RWJF Nurse Faculty Scholars.

Each Nurse Faculty Scholar receives a 3-year, $350,000 grant to pursue their research, as well as mentoring from senior faculty at their institution. The award is given to junior faculty who show outstanding promise as future leaders in academic nursing.

This year's RWJF scholars are investigating a wide range of health issues, from strategies to slow the spread of HIV infection among women who have been incarcerated or detained in jail, to how parental feeding patterns influence infant and child eating patterns later in life, to interventions to improve the lives and health of older adults with dementia in assisted living facilities.

To receive the award, scholars must be registered nurses who have completed a research doctorate in nursing or a related discipline and who have held a tenure-eligible faculty position at an accredited nursing school for at least 2 and no more than 5 years.

To learn more, visit www.RWJFNurseFacultyScholars.org.

A listing of the newest doctorate-prepared Nurse Faculty Scholars follows:

Jesus Casida, Wayne State University, The Relationship of Sleep Pattern Disturbance, Depression, Cognitive Function, and Self-Care in Adults with Long-Term Left Ventricular Assist Devices [LVADs].

Maren Coffman, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, A Health Literacy Intervention for Latina Women with Diabetes.

Elizabeth Galik, University of Maryland, Testing the Feasibility and Impact of Function Focused Care for Cognitively Impaired Residents in Assisted Living.

Michael Gates, San Diego State, Supplemental Nurses: Who Are They, What Motivates Them, and What Outcomes Are Associated with Their Employment.

Janice Goodman, MGH Institute of Health Professions, Mother-Infant Intervention for Prevention of Postpartum Depression and Associated Mother-Infant Relationship Dysfunction.

Kathleen Hickey, Columbia University, CHANGE: Changing Healthcare and Nursing through Genetics.

Eric Hodges, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Maternal Feeding Responsiveness and Risk of Obesity from Infancy through Early Childhood.

Angela Hudson, University of California at Los Angeles, Foster Youth Stay Smart with "Street Smart:" an HIV and Pregnancy Prevention Program for At-Risk Teens.

Versie Johnson-Mallard, University of South Florida, Word of Mouth: An Intervention Study Targeted at Decreasing Viral STIs among a Diverse Group of Young Adult Males and Females.

Randy Jones, University of Virginia, Decision Making Among Transitional Proxies and Patients with Advanced Prostate Cancer.

Sandra Kuntz, Montana State University, Methylmercury Risk, Awareness, and Exposure: Fort Peck Tribal Community and Academic Partnership.

Donna Robertson, East Carolina University, Keep It Safer Sister: An Intervention Study to Reduce HIV Risk for Female Detainees.

Martin Schiavenato, University of Rochester, Development of a Multidimensional Pain Detection Device for Neonates.

Ruth Taylor-Piliae, University of Arizona, Effects of Tai Chi Exercise on Physical Functioning, Quality of Life, and Exercise Behavior in Stroke Survivors.

Tami Thomas, Medical College of Georgia, Prevalence and correlates of Human Papillomavirus [HPV] vaccination in rural areas.

Posted Oct. 21, 2009

The North Dakota State Health Department notified H1N1 vaccine providers Oct. 20 that some of the injectable vaccine they received last week might be ineffective due to temperature issues while the vaccine was being shipped.

Though the health department stressed there are no safety issues for the 150 or so people who received the affected vaccine, the colder storage temperatures most likely have rendered the vaccinations ineffective.

About 1,100 doses of injectable vaccine are estimated to be affected out of a total 24,100 doses of injectable and nasal spray vaccine received in the state. None of the nasal spray vaccine was affected.

The health department is recommending providers not use the affected injectable vaccine they received, and is asking providers to alert those who received the affected vaccine and suggest revaccination.

The affected vaccine was shipped to the Department of Health, where it was repackaged Oct. 14 and sent to 99 vaccine providers across the state, officials said. On Oct. 15, the department received calls from some of the providers reporting that the freeze indicator in the packages showed temperatures below the safe shipping and storage range.

Of the providers receiving that shipment, 55 reported their vaccine was not affected, 30 reported that temperature indicators showed their vaccine was frozen. The Department of Health said it had determined that about 150 people received the vaccine and will need to be revaccinated.

Posted Oct. 19, 2009

Medical technology and equipment manufacturer Hill-Rom has awarded a $25,000 grant to the Sigma Theta Tau International Foundation for Nursing to support two participants for the Honor Society of Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau International's (STTI) 2010-2011 Geriatric Nursing Leadership Academy (GNLA). 

According to STTI, GNLA is an intense and career-changing experience for nurses who are committed to leading healthcare practice changes for older adults made possible in 2008 with a major grant from The John A. Hartford Foundation. STTI manages GNLA in partnership with the Hartford Foundation's Centers of Geriatric Nursing Excellence.

The participants - a fellow/mentor pair - join 12 other pairs in this 18-month program which focuses on positioning nurses to impact policy and geriatric health outcomes in their healthcare settings. Starting its second cohort in 2010, with ongoing support from the Hartford Foundation, GNLA helps develop skills for effective multidisciplinary team leadership as participants strive to improve the quality of healthcare for older adults and their families.

"Hill-Rom is committed to enhancing outcomes for patients and their caregivers. Nurses who have participated in STTI's mentoring programs have influenced change within their organizations and their communities," said Hill-Rom vice president and chief clinical officer Melissa Fitzpatrick, MSN, RN, FAAN. "Sponsorship of a GNLA fellow/mentor pair is a tangible way for Hill-Rom to support positive clinical outcomes and to advance the profession of nursing."

GNLA fellows become active participants in the national network of geriatric nursing leaders. This growing group of experts has begun a collective movement toward national influence in changing care for older adults, according to STTI.

"We are excited about Hill-Rom's support for this outstanding academy," said STTI president Carol J. Huston, MSN, RN, DPA, FAAN. "These focused, personal mentoring relationships have led to positive outcomes, and we are thrilled to have the funding support for another participant who we know will influence change in his or her community."

Applications are currently being accepted for the 2010-11 cohort. Consideration is given to nurses who:

• demonstrate leadership potential;
• exhibit commitment to advancing geriatric nursing;
• select a strong leader and partner as a mentor; and  
• propose a leadership project with potential to impact healthcare.

Click here for more information. 

Posted Oct. 19, 2009

The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) has selected Carrie Daly, APN, of Rush University Medical Center in Chicago as the recipient of the 2009 ASTRO Nurse Excellence Award.

The annual award is bestowed upon a registered nurse who goes above and beyond the normal standards of nursing practice, according to ASTRO. Daly will be presented with her award, a $1,000 grant, during the nurse's welcome and orientation luncheon Nov. 1 during ASTRO's 51st Annual Meeting in Chicago.

Daly is an oncology nurse manager and advanced practice nurse in the radiation oncology department at Rush University. In the 4 years she has been on the staff at Rush, Daly has developed site specific educational materials for patients receiving radiation therapy and implemented skin care and mouth care protocols for radiation therapy patients.

She is also a member of Rush University's Cancer Survivor's Day committee, which is responsible for organizing the annual event to honor cancer patients and their families. Attendance at the event has increased from 50 people to more than 400 patients and families in the 4 years since Daly joined the committee.

Meanwhile, for the past 23 years, Daly has been a volunteer at One Step at a Time Camp, a summer camp for children with cancer, where she leads the Excursion Program for teenagers. She is also an active volunteer for Gilda's Club Chicago and has volunteered at a biweekly cancer support group for women at Saint Joseph Hospital for the past 13 years.

Daly has been a member of the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) for more than 20 years and a member of the Radiation Oncology Special Interest Group through ONS. In 2005 she received the ONS Excellence in Radiation Oncology Nursing award. She has also been nominated for the Nursing Spectrum: Nurse Excellence Award for community service and for the Hematology/Oncology Nurse of the Year Award through the Leukemia Research Foundation.

"Carrie's dedication and compassionate care toward her patients during their treatments and throughout the cancer journey is the definition of nurse excellence in radiation oncology," Vanna Dest, APRN, MSN, BC, AOCN, chair of ASTRO's Nursing Committee, said. "I am honored to be able to recognize her with this award."

For more information on ASTRO's 51st Annual Meeting, visit www.astro.org/meetings/annualmeetings.

Posted Oct. 16, 2009

U.S. Sen. Al Franken (D-MN) introduced the Nurse and Health Care Worker Protection Act of 2009, which would set standards on safe patient handling and injury prevention. Companion legislation has been introduced in the House by Rep. John Conyers, Jr. (D-MI).
  
Were the legislation sponsored by Franken to become law:

• OSHA would issue a standard on safe patient handling and injury prevention that requires the use of lift equipment to move patients except in cases which would compromise patient care.  
• Care facilities would implement safe patient handling and injury prevention plans.
• Workers would receive training on safe patient handling and injury prevention.
• Workers would be protected from employer retaliation if they refused to accept assignments which do not meet safety standards.      
• The Department of Health and Human Services would administer a $200 million grant program to cover costs of acquiring safe patient handling equipment for eligible facilities. 

The Franken-sponsored legislation has been endorsed by more than 20 organizations including the Minnesota Nurses Association, the American Nurses Association and the National Organization for Women.

Facilities that have implemented safe patient handling procedures have demonstrated that their initial investment in lift equipment is off-set in just a few years by the reduced cost of worker's compensation payments and savings from fewer lost workdays.  
 
"Nurses and healthcare workers shouldn't have to sacrifice their safety and their livelihood to help others, especially when many of these injuries could be prevented," Franken said in a press release posted on his Senate Web page. "All of us benefit from the services these professionals provide, and by passing this legislation, we can help ensure they're able to safely continue in their important careers." 

Posted Oct. 16, 2009

FDA is warning consumers to use extreme care when purchasing any products over the Internet that claim to diagnose, prevent, treat or cure the H1N1 influenza virus.

Additionally, FDA has created a Fraudulent H1N1 Products Widget where consumers and healthcare providers can report incidents and discoveries. The free widget can be downloaded and added to most any Web site or blog and will be monitored and automatically updated by the federal agency.

The warning and widget come after the FDA recently purchased and analyzed several products represented online as Tamiflu (oseltamivir), which may pose risks to patients.

One of the orders, which arrived in an unmarked envelope with a postmark from India, consisted of unlabeled, white tablets taped between two pieces of paper. When analyzed, the tablets were found to contain talc and acetaminophen, but none of the active ingredient oseltamivir. The Web site disappeared shortly after FDA placed the order.

At the same time, FDA also purchased four other products purported to diagnose, prevent, treat or cure the H1N1 influenza virus from other Web sites.

These products contained various levels of oseltamivir but were not approved for use in the U.S. Several of the products purchased did not require a prescription from a healthcare professional. Additionally, the products did not arrive in a timely enough fashion to treat someone infected with the H1N1 influenza virus, or with an immediate exposure to the virus.

Noted nutritional expert Andrew Weil, MD, reportedly received a letter from FDA informing him that one product on his Web site that claimed to protect against H1N1 was not allowable; the product was subsequently removed from Weil's site.  

FDA urges consumers to only purchase FDA-approved products from licensed pharmacies located in the U.S. Consumers should contact their health care provider if they have any questions or concerns about medical products or personal protective equipment.

The two antiviral drugs approved by the FDA for treatment and prophylaxis of the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus are Tamiflu (oseltamivir phosphate) and Relenza (zanamivir) Tamiflu and Relenza, in addition to their approved label, have Emergency Use Authorizations that describe specific authorized uses during this public health emergency. 

Posted Sept. 25, 2009

FDA has issued a Public Health Alert to notify prescribers and pharmacists about potential dosing errors with Tamiflu (oseltamivir) for Oral Suspension.

FDA has received reports of errors where dosing instructions for the patient do not match the dosing dispenser.

U.S. healthcare providers usually write prescriptions for liquid medicines in milliliters (mL) or teaspoons, while Tamiflu is dosed in milligrams (mg). The dosing dispenser packaged with Tamiflu manufactured by Roche Laboratories, Inc. has markings only in 30, 45 and 60 mg.

According to FDA, healthcare providers should write doses in mg if the dosing dispenser with the drug is in mg. Pharmacists should ensure that the units of measure on the prescription instructions match the dosing device provided with the drug.

Click here to read the complete FDA MedWatch 2009 Safety summary, including links to the FDA Public Health alert, the "Dear Healthcare Professional" letter from Roche and Information for Pharmacists from the CDC.

Posted Sept. 22, 2009 

Two innovative and highly successful models of care developed by nurses were the centerpiece of a recent briefing on healthcare reform in Washington, DC.

The event brought together women's health leaders and healthcare experts, and focused on the ways in which innovative healthcare models can help to improve efficiency, reduce costs and ensure quality care for patients and their families.
 
The briefing, On the Edge of Reform: Innovative Health Care Models, was sponsored by the American Academy of Nursing (AAN), which directs the Raise the Voice campaign. 

Raise the Voice showcases the ways in which nurses are leading the way in transforming the health care system and informs policy makers of these innovations and their success with an eye toward seeing those innovations replicated. The campaign is supported by a grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

Among the presenters were Mary Naylor, PhD, RN, FAAN, architect of the Transitional Care Model for the Frail Elderly, University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing; and Katherine Kinsey, PhD, RN, FAAN, principal investigator and administrator of the National Nursing Centers Consortium's Philadelphia Nurse-Family Partnership Program.

In response to the need for expanded monitoring and reporting of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) announced June 3 its support for the use of automated surveillance technologies in the healthcare setting as an essential part of infection prevention and control activities.

Surveillance technologies are computerized systems designed to collect infection data, thereby allowing infection preventionists to rapidly protect patients by identifying and investigating potential clusters of HAIs in real time.

Most healthcare facilities currently use a manual surveillance method that can be limited in scope and is labor intensive. Automated surveillance technologies streamline the review and collection of data, providing a larger amount of information and reducing staff time spent on surveillance and clerical tasks.

The recommendations are published in the APIC position paper, The Importance of Surveillance Technologies in the Prevention of Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs).

The APIC position paper outlines many benefits of automated surveillance, including efficient review of infection data, rapid identification of outbreaks, expanded and better-defined infection prevention activities, reduced infection prevention department time spent on surveillance and clerical tasks, improved response to public health issues, assistance with regulatory compliance, and enhanced antibiotic stewardship programs.

"Automated surveillance eases the burden of data management for infection preventionists and allows them to focus on the activities that protect patients, like walking rounds, observing procedures and educating healthcare personnel," said Linda R. Greene, MPS, RN, CIC, lead author of APIC's position paper and director of infection prevention and control at Rochester General Health System. "In addition, it can help hospitals save money by targeting areas for tailored elimination strategies that reduce infections and excess cost."

In a recent survey of APIC members, only one in five had electronic data-mining technology.

"Surveillance of [HAIs] is the cornerstone of effective infection prevention programs, but without automation it consumes a considerable amount of an infection preventionist's time. This limits time spent on what is value-added to the patient - education of healthcare personnel and performance improvement activities," Greene said. "Automated surveillance offers a more efficient and accurate means of obtaining HAI data, provides the opportunity to expand surveillance beyond typical high-risk areas within the healthcare facility and allows infection preventionists to improve prevention practices."

Visit the APIC Web site for more information on Surveillance Technology Resources.

More than two-thirds of adult Americans agree the U.S. healthcare system needs to put more emphasis on chronic disease preventive care than on treatment, and they are willing to pay higher taxes to fund those programs, according to a new survey by the National Association of Chronic Disease Directors (NACDD).

The survey also found Americans across all income groups believe congress needs to do more to pay for prevention programs.

More than two-thirds (68 percent) don't think congress is doing enough to fund these programs, and 43 percent say they are more likely to vote for candidates who support increased public health spending, the survey found. More than four in five Americans (84 percent) favor public funding for programs to help prevent chronic disease.

According to CDC, chronic diseases are the leading cause of death and disability in the U.S., affecting 133 million Americans, or 45 percent of the population. They are responsible for seven out of every 10 deaths, killing more than 1.6 million Americans every year. In the U.S., 75 cents of every $1 spent on healthcare goes toward the treatment of chronic disease, according to CDC.

"This survey shows Americans believe prevention is the cornerstone to good health, but more funding is needed to achieve a healthy America," said John Robitscher, MPH, NACDD executive director. "More than 50 percent of Americans are not satisfied with the quality of their healthcare, and believe more funding should be allocated to preventive care."

Other NACDD survey findings: 

• 67 percent of Americans are worried about being able to afford necessary healthcare.
• 92 percent of Americans say lack of health insurance is a problem in the U.S.
• 95 percent of Americans say the greater incidence of health problems among Americans with lower incomes is a big problem.
• 83 percent of Americans believe that healthy workers have a strong impact on economic productivity.

The survey, Americans and Public Health: Attitudes Toward Public Funding for Public Health and Chronic Disease, was conducted for NACDD by TSC, a division of Yankelovich, Inc. 

The survey was conducted by telephone within the U.S. between Aug. 21 and 24, 2008, among 1,000 adults (aged 18 and over).  Figures for age, sex, race/ethnicity and region were weighted to ensure reliable and accurate representation of the total U.S. adult population. The margin of error for this study was +/- 3.1 percent.

NACDD was founded in 1988 to link the chronic disease program directors of each state and U.S. territory to provide a national forum. It provides state-based leadership and expertise for chronic disease prevention and control at the state and national level. Further information about NACDD is available at http://www.chronicdisease.org/.

The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) launched a major upgrade to the Essentials of Critical Care Orientation (ECCO), dubbed EECO 2.0.

The proprietary e-learning program is a comprehensive introduction to the fundamentals of critical care nursing, providing the theoretical foundation necessary to care for critically ill patients, according to AACN.

Like all AACN e-learning courses, ECCO 2.0 is an easy-to-navigate, interactive Internet-based program. Experts in nursing and nursing education designed the content utilizing the most current adult learning theories.

ECCO provides a total of 69 hours of CE credit and is composed of 10 learning modules, organized using a body systems approach:

• Introduction to Care of the Critically Ill
• Care of the Patient with Cardiovascular Disorders
• Care of the Patient with Pulmonary Disorders
• Basic Hemodynamic Monitoring
• Care of the Patient with Neurological Disorders
• Care of the Patient with Gastrointestinal Disorders
• Care of the Patient with Renal Disorders
• Care of the Patient with Endocrine Disorders
• Care of the Patient with Hematological Disorders
• Care of the Patient with Multisystem Disorders

Modules are comprised of multiple lessons that provide in-depth, interactive content with rich graphics and illustrations that keep learners engaged. Each module addresses the anatomy and physiology of the body system, relevant diagnostic information, and the clinical presentation and management of common disorders for each of the body systems.

"Since its inception in 2002, learners and learning administrators have given us valuable feedback about the content of ECCO and what improvements were needed," said AACN CEO Wanda Johanson, MN, RN.

"For this highly anticipated upgrade, we have responded to these comments by including more interactivity, more case studies and more critical thinking exercises," Johanson continued. "In ECCO 2.0, nurses will find the content they have come to count on, as well as new content we believe makes ECCO a more exceptional orientation program."

For more information on ECCO 2.0 and other AACN e-learning products, call 800-899-2226 or visit www.aacn.org/e-learning.

AACN is the largest specialty nursing organization in the world, representing the interests of more than 500,000 acute and critical care nurses. Its international headquarters are located in Aliso Viejo, CA.  Founded in 1969, the association has more than 240 chapters worldwide. For more information, visit www.aacn.org.