LSNA President’s Message

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Inside this issue . . . .President’s Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Executive Director’s Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Nursing’s Future in Louisiana . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Southeastern News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Call for Applicants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

The Nursing Community Honors Its Own . . . . . . .6

Maddie Goes to the Nurse Practitioner . . . . . . . . . 8

Sailing Again with LSNA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

Alternative Therapy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

District News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

Patient Advocacy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

2009 Summit of Nursing Educators, Employers & Regulators

Page 3

Maddie Goes to theNurse Practitioner

Page 8

Vol. 65 • No. 2 June 2009

Circulation 65,000 to all Registered & Licensed Practical Nurses in Louisiana

THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE LOUISIANA STATE NURSES ASSOCIATION

Inside

LSNA President’s MessageDear Colleagues:

It is with much enthusiasm that I write my first message as LSNA’s President. I have been very fortunate over the last eight years to serve in various positions in the association allowing me to work closely with the staff, board of directors, committee chairs, and members of LSNA throughout the state. I would especially like to thank Past-President, Patricia La Brosse, Executive Director, Joe Ann Clark, and Carol Cairo, Program Coordinator who all guided me through the role of President-Elect. I have learned so much from them. The accomplishments of LSNA are many and largely due to the efforts of the dedicated members that volunteer their time to meet the needs of the nurses we serve. LSNA has been through several rough years, but we will continue to move forward on the path that the board of directors has laid as a foundation for success.

There have been many ‘firsts’ in accomplishments for LSNA over the past two years. Some of them include: 1) The creation of the LSNA specialty license plate, 2) Participation in the Promise of Nursing Program sponsored by Johnson & Johnson, 3) Establishment of the Mollie C. and Larence B. Woodard Nursing Scholarship for Louisiana nursing students, and 4) Participation in the Health Care Without harm 2008 Mini Grant Program

in collaboration with Southeastern Louisiana School of Nursing. Of course there are many more accomplishments that I have not mentioned that the members should be proud of.

In 2008, the board of directors began meeting to develop a strategic plan with identified goals and strategies. The strategic plan was driven from LSNA’s mission that states: “To support and serve all levels of registered nurses in Louisiana through ethical leadership, professional growth, and effective advocacy to promote excellence in health care.” Since it was the board of directors’ initial attempt in creating a strategic plan, we identified goals that would strengthen the operational aspects of LSNA. The 2008-2009 goals include: 1) Establish a succession plan for LSNA, 2) Identify potential growth opportunities, 3) Become an active partner in health care design, and 4) Restructure the governance of LSNA. In future messages I will share the specific strategies for achieving these goals as well as the progress we are making in accomplishing the strategic initiatives.

Currently, LSNA represents over 44,000 registered nurses in the state with a membership of approximately 1150. If we are serious about continuing to move the association forward, we need the support of all nurses in the state. So, thank you if you are a member, and if not I would like to encourage you to join and become a member of ANA.

It is an honor and a privilege to serve you, and I look forward to working for the nurses in Louisiana during the next two years.

Denise Danna

LANOThe Louisiana Alliance of Nursing Organizations

is pleased to announce that it’s website is now up and running. Please take a look at www.lanonursing.org. We are also attempting to contact representatives of nursing specialty organizations to invite them to join. If you have current contact information for any of the organizations, please let me know at [email protected].

Call for RN positionon LPN Board ofNurse Examiners

Page 5

Reminder to allLSNA members:

Please update change of address, email, and phone

numbers so we can keep our records current.

Page 2 • Pelican News June, July, August 2009

Louisiana State Nurses Association

Board of DirectorsPresident . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PATRICIA LA BROSSEPresident-Elect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . DENISE DANNAVice President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MAXINE JOHNSONSecretary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .JONI NICKENSTreasurer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .BARBARA MOFFETT

Chairs of Committees and CouncilsResolutions and Bylaws . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . NORLYN HYDEHealth Policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . LISA DEATONMembership . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .KEELEY DUPUYWorkplace Advocacy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GORDON NATALClinical Practice Council . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . RAMONA GUINEducation Council . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CYNTHIA PRESTHOLDTLeadership/Management Council . . . . . . . . MELISSA STEWARTResearch/Informatics Council . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .EVELYN WILLSImmediate Past President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . NITA GREEN

District PresidentsAlexandria . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . LISA LAUVEBaton Rouge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .JACKIE HILLBayou . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . LINDA SONGYFeliciana. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . JANICE BONNER-DAVISNorthshore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BARBARA HUETELafayette . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MICHELLE CRAINLake Charles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .ANETHA CRAFTMonroe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .EMILY DOUGHTYNew Orleans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BERNADINE MILTONRuston . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . NANCY DARLANDShreveport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . SHIRLEY CASHIOTangipahoa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ANN CARRUTH

Executive DirectorDr. Joe Ann ClarkLSNA StaffCAROL CAIRO, PROGRAM, 225-201-0994, [email protected] ASAY office manager, 225-201-0993CONTINUING EDUCATION, 225-201-0995, [email protected] Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.225-201-0993Fax [email protected]

Acceptance of advertising does not imply endorsement of approval by the Louisiana State Nurses Association of the products advertised, the advertisers or the claims made. Rejection of an advertisement does not imply that 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. LSNA and the Arthur L. Davis Publishing Agency, Inc. shall not be held liable for any consequences resulting from purchase or use of advertisers’ products. Advertisements will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis for preferred positions. LSNA and publishers reserve the right to reject any advertising.

FOR ALL ADVERTISING RATES AND INFORMATION CONTACT THE ARTHUR L. DAVIS PUBLISHING AGENCY, INC., P.O. BOX 216, CEDAR FALLS, IOWA 50613, 800-626-4081, [email protected]. THE LOUISIANA STATE NURSES ASSOCIATION AND THE ARTHUR L. DAVIS PUBLISHING AGENCY, INC. RESERVE THE RIGHT TO REJECT ADVERTISING. Responsibility for errors in advertising is limited to corrections in the next issue or refund of price of advertisement.

Due Dates for Pelican NewsArticles 2009

July 27

October 26

Message from the Executive DirectorJoe Ann Clark, EdD, RN

This edition of the Pelican News will come out in June, after the House of Delegates has finished its work. From my position as Executive Director, I would like to share with you some of the changes in the organization that I have seen since I assumed this position in 2005. At that time the big challenge for LSNA was to get its financial house in order. Everything was focused on cutting expenses and in getting the IRS and Districts paid. During those first few months, we also had to get the American Nurses Credential Council (ANCC) self study written and to prepare for the accreditation visit. We were determined to maintain LSNA’s accreditation status for the Continuing Education program. All, a big challenge!

Progress with the finances was slow but sure—we finally got things paid off and are now in good graces

Joe Ann Clark

with the IRS. LSNA is now actually putting money into a money account and a CD. Additionally, the CE Approver and Provider Units were fully accredited! Of course Katrina came along during this time and LSNA became a part of the effort to distribute many of the donations of clothing and supplies which were sent from all over the country. Money was also given by donors from the United States and individuals in other countries and the Louisiana Nurses Relief Fund was established which gave out over $156,714.00 to 288 nurses who were impacted by the storm. All of these efforts put a lot of stress on this small organization.

Since then, however The LSNA Board of Directors has focused its efforts on getting LSNA back on track and strengthening the organization. Strategic Planning sessions were held and goals were established. Board members have become active in getting LSNA’s Policies and Procedures reviewed and revised to bring them up to date. Representatives of LSNA are serving on more state wide Commissions and Task Forces to assure that nurses are “at the table” at this time of health care reform. LSNA was a part of the organization and development of the first Louisiana Nursing Summit which was very well received and brought together representatives of Nursing Administration, Education and Regulation. Plans are underway to make this an annual event. LSNA is also proud to be a member of the Advisory Council for the newly established Louisiana Nursing Center!

Plans are now in the developmental stage to update the LSNA website and allow online registrations and hopefully CE programs etc. It just all takes time.

On a personal note I thank two individuals who have served as leaders in LSNA for a number of years. They have served with vision and dedication. Patricia La Brosse who has held several positions on the Board and is now the outgoing President and Maxine Johnson who has held almost every office on the LSNA Board but made her imprint as the Chair of the Health Policy Committee. Their contributions to LSNA and Nursing in Louisiana have been outstanding and I know they will be ongoing!

June, July, August 2009 Pelican News • Page 3

“Nursing’s Future in Louisiana: 2009 Summit of Nursing Educators, Nursing Employers and Nursing Regulators”

Report of theNursing Summit

The first “Nursing Summit” was held on Friday, March 20, 2009 at the Marriott Hotel in Baton Rouge Louisiana. The event was sponsored by the:

Louisiana Alliance of Nursing Organizations (LANO)Louisiana Council of Administrators of Nursing Education

(LaCANE)Louisiana Organization of Nurse Executives (LONE)

Louisiana State Board of Nursing (LSBN)Louisiana State Nurses Association (LSNA)

The idea for the Summit came as a result of discussions which were held in a subcommittee of the Nursing Supply and Demand Council. Representatives from each of the organizations then came together to plan the event. LSNA participated in the planning process and was responsible for making the arrangements, putting together brochures and also for offering the CE contact hours. (5.5 contact hours were awarded.) Over 220 attended. The keynote speaker was Dr. Peter Buerhaus whose presentation was entitled “Nursing’s Future: Aligning the Interests of Education, Practice and Policy.” Dr. Buerhaus also conducted the last session—“Conclusions, Solutions, Recommendations: Where Do We Go From Here?” The other speakers included:

• Barbara Morvant, Executive Director of the LSBNwho spoke about the newly established “Louisiana Nursing Workforce Center,”

• Dr. Gail Poirrier, Dean of University of Louisianaat Lafayette, College of Nursing and Allied Health Professions, who spoke on “Meeting the Need for Nurses: Issues for Nursing Schools,”

• Dr. Norann Planchock Dean of the College ofNursing at Northwestern State University and Dr. Pamela Simmons, Senior Director, Curriculum and Evaluation at Northwestern University whose presentation was “New Graduate: Transition to the RN Role,” and

• Dr. Kathy Viator, CEO of Earl K. Long Hospital,whose topic was “Retaining RNs in the Workplace: Nursing Workforce Retention Issues.”

The program was very well received and it seemed to be the general consensus that this was the first of many Summits to come. The Planning Committee will meet soon to make plans for future activities.

Now, on a personal note, I want to thank the members of the Summit Planning Committee. They are: (notice I am not using the past tense here because there is still more to do)

Representatives of La CANEDr. Melanie Green, Dean of Nursing at

Our Lady of the Lake CollegeDr. Melinda Oberleitner, Head and Associate to the Dean

Department of Nursing and Allied Health ProfessionsUniversity of Louisiana at Lafayette

Dr. Florencetta Gibson, Director, School of Nursing University of Louisiana at Monroe

Dr. Barbara Moffett, Director, School of NursingSoutheastern Louisiana University

Dr. Norann Planchock, Dean, College of NursingNorthwestern State University

Representatives of LANO(Louisiana Alliance of Nursing Organizations)

Clair Millet, Chief Public Health NurseLouisiana Office of Public Health

Representatives of LSNAPatricia LaBrosse, LSNA President

Maxine Johnson,LSNAVice-PresidentandProgram Committee Chair

Diane Webb, LSNA Program Committee MemberDr. Deborah Shelton, LSNA Program Committee Chair

Dr. Joe Ann Clark, LSNA Executive Director

Representatives of LONE(Louisiana Organization of Nurse Executives)

Patricia Johnson,SeniorVicePresident/Chief Nurse Executive

Woman’s HospitalDr. Kathy Viator, Chief Executive Officer

Earl K. Long Hospital

Representatives of LSBN(Louisiana State Board of Nursing)

Barbara Morvant, Executive Director of LSBNDr. Elaine Vallett,DirectorofEducation/

Licensure at LSBN

Kathy Viator and Peter Buerhaus

Ruby Brown, Laurie Fontenot and Dana Campbell

Gail Porrier and Joe Ann Clark

Deborah Shelton and Diane Webb

It is not often you can plan a program of this size and scope, strictly by conference calls. The members of this group were dedicated to the program and to making it a success. My job a LSNA’s representative was to “keep things moving” and to seeing that the plans of the group got implemented. Thanks to the planning committee and the efforts of Carol Cairo, LSNA Program Coordinator, this was the easiest job I have had in a long while. My thanks!

Karen Moody, Kathleen Moore andMarie Saltaformaggio


Southeastern NEWSHAMMOND—It is a simple reality that most nurses

do not have the luxury of quitting their day—or night shift—jobs to go back to school for a master’s degree. The Intercollegiate Consortium for the Master of Science in Nursing (ICMSN) meets that reality head on—and provides solutions.

ICMSN is a consortium of the nursing programs at Southeastern Louisiana University, McNeese State University and the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. The consortium is one of only a handful in the U.S. Since courses are web-based—delivered through distance education —students can participate from their home or office anywhere and at any time.

Across the consortium, more than 250 nurses are pursuing a master’s degree or post-MSN completion program through the ICMSN, said Ann Carruth, graduate coordinator for Southeastern’s School of Nursing. And, she added, all of its graduates have successfully joined the work force as nursing administrators, educators, clinical nurse specialists, and nurse practitioners.

“We are successfully placing all graduates in each of the tracks,” Carruth said proudly.

Last year, ICMSN received a full five-year accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Education, an autonomous organization of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing and recognized as an official accrediting agency by the U.S. Department of Education. This is the first time the ICMSN program has been accredited by CCNE, having been accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission since 1996.

Students successfully completing ICMSN’s graduate curriculum meet the educational requirements to take national certification examinations in a number of areas, including clinical nurse specialist in medical surgical nursing or adult psychiatric/mental health nursing; adultnurse practitioner or psychiatric/mental health nursepractitioner, advanced nursing administration, and nursing education.

Students may enroll in courses at any one of the

Graduate Nursing Consortium Meets Personal, Professional Needsparticipating universities and receive credit toward the master’s degree. Their “home” university maintains academic records and issues their degree, but throughout the program students actively engage online with their peers and faculty from all three universities.

“All theory courses are online and are shared by the consortium universities,” Carruth said. “That’s a good thing, because students learn to collaborate across the region and are exposed to issues throughout the whole state.”

“The distance learning was a very great experience in that it saved a lot of miles and a lot of time,” said nurse practitioner Sydney Prescott. “The program was very accommodating. They knew we were all working and didn’t expect us to be here from 8-to-5.”

Recognizing that many of the graduate students have been in the workforce—and out of the classroom—for many years, Carruth said the program offers orientation through a week-long CE bridge course to bring students “up to speed” on all the technology skills they will need for their distance learning courses.

“It was interesting to see how many different students were involved in so many different areas of nursing, said Sherri Ellis, an instructor at Baton Rouge General Medical Center’s School of Nursing who received her master’s degree through ICMSN. The program, she said, provides “the opportunity to see that nursing is so complex and diverse, that you can go in so many different directions. You don’t have to be limited. You may not want to be a nurse practitioner, but you can be a nurse administrator or educator—it’s limitless and it presents itself as such.”

“With Louisiana ranked at the very bottom of health indicators in the nation, our nurse practitioner students remain in great demand,” said Valarie P. Waldmeier,graduate coordinator at McNeese. “Opportunities to work in various settings including rural, suburban, and metropolitan are offered to graduating students each semester. What a great profession to be a part of in these uncertain economic times. Nurse practitioners will continue to thrive and improve the health of our citizens wherever we choose to practice.

The interaction among the students and the hands-on mentoring by faculty helps build invaluable networks of health care providers, the students agree. Nurse practitioner Sydney Prescott praised the ongoing networking that the program promoted. “We have a little network of nurse

practitioners that I went to school with,” she said. “I can pick up the phone and call and refer patients because I know the caliber of these colleagues. I know what kind of education they received, and I know their hearts are in it for the right reasons.”

With a shortage of primary care practitioners in the state and nationwide, the graduates of the consortium adult nursing practitioner tracks are filling crucial health care needs in the rural and urban areas of the state. The program also has a 100 percent pass rate for national certification of graduates for first time test-takers over the last five years. Faculty are all doctorally prepared, well versed in current nursing practice issues and readily available to assist students, who may enroll part-time or full-time—with most opting for participating on a part-time basis.

“There is a desperate need for mental health practitioners, especially after Katrina,” Carruth said. “We get calls at least once a week from agencies that are looking for psychiatric nurse practitioners.”

Nurse educators are necessary for teaching and mentoring the next generation of nurses. “The average age of today’s nurse educator is in the 50s,” said Donna Gauthier, graduate coordinator at UL Lafayette. “As more and more retire, we need to replace them with master’s prepared faculty.”

The state Board of Nursing, as well as national accrediting agencies such as CCNE, require a minimum of a master’s degree in nursing to teach, she said. ICMSN’s Nurse Educator Track prepares the graduate with the skills for teaching in a traditional classroom and clinical environment and within the online learning environment.

The Nursing Leadership and Health Care Administration track prepares the next generation of nurse leaders for the profession.

“This program has the ability to customize your needs,” summed up Wanda Hughes, administrative director of nursing at Baton Rouge General Medical Center. “It’s a ‘win-win,’ so when you step into it it’s not like you’re just going to school. You’re fulfilling your own personal goals as well as getting a master’s degree at the same time.”

Carruth said the graduate program not only helps nurses meet their own personal and career goals, but it also directly impacts health care needs in areas such as mental health care and health care education.

Carruth ticks off a list of additional program attributes—hands-on, well-prepared faculty; nationallyaccredited by the CCNE; flexibility of full or part-timeenrollment options; newly revised curricula (the nurseadministrator track, for instance,was revised in 2006); avariety of clinical sites for professional, practical hands-onexperience;costeffectivetuitionalongwithtraineeshipand financial aid opportunities; and awelcoming studentfriendly atmosphere.

For additional information about the Intercollegiate Consortium for the Master of Science in Nursing, contact CarruthatSoutheastern,985-549-3379,[email protected];Gauthier at UL Louisiana, 337-482-5639, or Waldmeier at McNeese, 337-475-5702, [email protected]. Information is also available on each university’s Web site.

Available online at www.selu.edu/news_media/news_releases


ANNOUNCEMENT:TheOvertonBrooksVAMedicalCenterinShreveport,

Louisiana has launched a Medical Foster Home Program (MFH). The Medical Foster Home (MFH) program is a unique partnership of adult foster home and Home Based Primary Care (HBPC), serving those veterans that are in need of greater care. The veteran can choose to live in a home-like environment while they continue to receive their primary healthcare through the VA. In the past,many veterans living alone with no family support would have to be placed into a nursing home. MFH offers a safe, favorable, and less costly alternative. MFH finds a caregiver in the community who is willing to take a veteran into their home and provide 24-hour supervision as well as needed personal assistance. The expectation is that this is a long-term commitment, where the veteran may live for the remainder of his or her life. The cost of the MFH is the responsibility of the veteran. Ideal caregivers would be a retired nurse, therefore if you are interested or if you know of community members who might be interested in becomingacaregiverintheShreveport/Bossier/Longviewarea,pleasecontact theMFHCoordinator,VickiRachal,at 318-990-4756 or 1-800-863-7441, ext. 4756.

LOUISIANA STATE BOARD OF EXAMINERS IN DIETETICS

And NUTRITION

Vacancy

CALL FOR APPLICANTS!

According to Title 37, Chapter 41 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes for Dietitians and Nutritionists, the Louisiana State Nurses Association submits a list of names of licensed registered nurses for one appointment to the Louisiana Board of Examiners in Dietetics and Nutrition.

Peggy Bourgeois, APRN, MN, CNS, CDE, has served two 3-year terms and is not eligible to be re-appointed. Her term expires on August 27, 2009.

Interested individuals must qualify for the position in accordancewith theLouisianaDietetic/NutritionPracticeAct 3084.C. which include:

“One member shall be a licensed registered nurse selected from a list of names submitted by the Louisiana State Nurses Association.”

“Board members shall be residents of the state who have been actively practicing in the field of dietetics/nutrition or a related field for not less than five years. Board members shall have an unrestricted license to practice their respective professions, where applicable.”

If you are interested in this position, please submit a letter of interest and resume to the Louisiana State Nurses Association at:

5713 Superior Drive, Suite A-6Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70816

Or fax to: 225-201-0971Deadline for Submission

July 1, 2009

Call for Applicants for RN Position on the Louisiana State Board of

Practical Nurse Examiners

Roberta Connelley, RN holds one of the two positions on the Louisiana State Board of Practical Nurse Examiners which, according to Law Relating to the Practice of Practical Nursing, are to be held by Registered Nurses. Her position will expire July 2009 and she is eligible to serve another term.

According to the Law Relating to the Practice of Practical Nursing “the appointment of members of the LSBPNE shall be made from a list, containing twice the number of eligibles to be appointed, submitted to the governor by the Louisiana State Medical Society where the appointee shall be a licensed physician, by the Louisiana Federation of Licensed Practical Nurses, Inc., for one of the practical nurses, by the Licensed Practical Nurses of Louisiana, Inc., for one of the practical nurses, by the Louisiana Nursing Home Association, for one practical nurse, by the Louisiana Hospital Association, for one practical nurse, or by the Louisiana State Nurses Association where the appointee shall be a registered nurse.” The terms of the members of the LSBPNE shall be for six years.

Individuals interested in applying for the position can find the required Biographical Data and Consent Form on the LSNA website at www.lsna.org. The form must be submitted to the LSNA office by July 15, 2009. Interviews of applicants will be held at a date which will be announced. Please submit forms to:

Louisiana State Nurses Association5713 Superior Drive, Suite A-6Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70816

Or fax to:225-201-0971


The Nursing Community Honors Its Own. Louisiana Nurses Foundation Announces Nightingale Recipients, Awards of

Quality Service in the Nursing Profession

BATON ROUGE, LA—On Saturday, January 31, 2009, the Louisiana Nurses Foundation hosted its eighth Annual Nightingale Awards Program. The event was attended by almost 500 nurses, proud family members, co-workers and healthcare workers. Over 80 Registered Nurses representing a variety of healthcare institutions and schools of nursing were honored. The emcee of the event this year was Dr. Demetrius Porche, Professor and Dean, LSU Health Sciences Center, School of Nursing.

Featuring a night to shine, dress up, and have dinner, The Nightingale Awards ceremony is a special time when the nursing profession honors its own. The program is the “academy awards” of nursing and health care which recognizes quality service, commitment, and excellence for Registered Nurses in the state of Louisiana.

The Louisiana Nurses Foundation and Louisiana State Nurses Association wishes to thank the sponsors of this event for making the 2009 Nightingale Awards program such a successful event. The following were this year’s sponsors:

– Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center, Baton Rouge

– Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center School of Nursing, New Orleans

– Ochsner Health System, New Orleans and Baton Rouge Campuses

– Gia Kosmitis Law Offices, Shreveport– Touro Infirmary, New Orleans– Bank of America

The nominations in each category are reviewed by out of state judges—nursing leaders throughout the country. The Louisiana Nurses Foundation and Louisiana State Nurses Association wishes to acknowledge and thank this esteemed panel of Judges for their Assistance. Without the support and participation from these judges the event could not be possible.

– Sharon A. Adkins, Executive Director, Tennessee Nurses Association

– Kim Armstrong, President, Washington State Nurses Association,2ndVicePresident,ANA

– Cindy R. Balkstra, President, Georgia Nurses Association

– Laura Beth Brown, President, Tennessee Nurses Association

– Susan Bumsted, President, Kansas State Nurses Association

– Tina C. Gordon, Executive Director, North Carolina Nurses Association

– Ernest J. Grant, President-Elect, North Carolina Nurses Association

– Linda M. Gural, Director, ANA Board of Directors– Eileen Kohlenberg, President, North Carolina Nurses

Association– Mary Maryland, Director, ANA Board of Directors– Donna M. Policastro, Executive Director, Rhode

Island State Nurses Association– Tracy L. Singh, President, Nevada Nurses

Association– Norine Watson, President, Delaware Nurses

AssociationEntered into the prestigious Louisiana Nightingale Hall

of Fame for the year 2009 were Dr. Patricia Eichelberger Thompson, Shreveport and Dr. Jane Finlay Sumner, New Orleans.

Nightingale awards were given for Hospital of the Year (100 beds or fewer) to Lafayette Surgical Specialty Hospital,Lafayette;Hospital of the Year (more than 100 beds) to Baton Rouge General Medical Center, Baton Rouge; and Nursing School of the Year to University of Louisiana Lafayette, School of Nursing and Allied Health Professionals, and Employer of the Year other than a Hospital to Hospice of Caring Hearts, Ruston.

Nightingale Awards were also presented to the following

recipients: Outstanding Nurse Researcher, Nancy Buccola, LSU Health Sciences Center School of Nursing. Rookie of the Year, Channell Bradford, Our Lady of the Lake RMC, Nurse of the Year, Chris Gatlin, Baton RougeGeneralMedicalCenter;Nursing Educator of the Year, Judith Gentry, LSU Health Sciences Center School ofNursing;Clinical Practice Nurse of the Year, Meliss Carlson, East Jefferson General Hospital; Advanced Practice Nurse of the Year, Susan Steele-Moses, Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center; Nursing Administrator of the Year, Deborah Ford, Our Lady of the Lake RegionalMedical Center;Mentor of the Year, Dana Ydarraga, Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center;andOutstanding Community Service Award by a Registered Nurse, Wanda Spurlock, Southern University School of Nursing.

Additionally, it is a great honor to be nominated for each category. The following nominees were:

Outstanding Nurse Researcher: Nancy Buccola, LSU Health Sciences Center School of Nursing;Karen Rice, Ochsner Health Center; Wendy Singleton, Woman’s Hospital; Ardith Sudduth, University of Louisiana Lafayette, College of Nursing and Allied Health Professionals.

Nightingale Awards continued on page 7

Hospital of the Year(100 beds or fewer)

Hospital of the Year(more than 100 beds)

Nursing Schoolof the Year

Employer of the Year other than a Hospital


Rookie of the Year: Rossy Balmaceda, East Jefferson General Hospital; Christine Blanchard, Ochsner Health System; Channell Bradford, Our Lady of the Lake RegionalMedicalCenter;Karen Boyd, Lakeview Regional Medical Center; Renee Bulen, Ochsner Health System;Ashley Chiasson,OchsnerHealthSystem;Rebecca Cobb, Ochsner Health System;LaShawn Doss, Ochsner Health System; Kim Guidry, Ochsner Health System; Rhonda Hyde,HealthSouthSpecialtyHospitalofNorthLouisiana;Jerniece Jacob, University Medical Center; Christine Vega, East Jefferson General Hospital; and Alexis Vise, Ochsner Health System.

Mentor of the Year: Donna Carbajal, Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center; Julie Castex, Ochsner Health System; Khaleelah Hasan, LSU Health Sciences Center School of Nursing; Jacqueline Hebert, University Medical Center; Amanda Martin-Sanchez, Ochsner Health Center; Wynne Dee Rinicker, HealthSouth Specialty Hospital of North Louisiana;Gina Simoneaux, Lafayette General Medical Center; Janie Spencer, Baton RougeGeneralMedicalCenter;Janet Watkins, Lakeview Regional Medical Center; and Jan Whiteknact, Baton RougeGeneralMedical;Dana Ydarraga, Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center

Nursing Educator of the Year: Shane Brossette, Lakeview Regional Medical Center; Elizabeth Fife, Louisiana Tech University; Judith Gentry, LSU Health Sciences Center School of Nursing; Valerie Schluter, OurLadyof theLakeRegionalMedicalCenter;Lorinda Sealey, Southeastern Louisiana University.

Advanced Practice Nurse of the Year: Carmalita Andrus,LafayetteGeneralMedicalCenter;Nicole Jones, East Jefferson General Hospital; Sharon McElwain, Woman’sHospital;Susan Steele-Moses, Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center; Margaret Tennyson, LSUHealth Sciences Center School of Nursing;Cynthia Watson, University Medical Center.

Clinical Practice Nurse of the Year: Meliss Carlson, East Jefferson General Hospital; Kelly Deranger, University Medical Center; Paula Harrelson, Touro Infirmary; Melanie Hyde, Glenwood Regional Medical Center;Charla Johnson, Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center; Kristy Simmons, Woman’s Hospital;Elizabeth Weber, Lafayette General Medical Center;Leslie Wingerter, Ochsner Health System.

Nursing Administrator of the Year: Deborah Charnley, BatonRougeGeneralMedical Center;Madeline DeVille, CHRISTUS Schumpert Highland; Deborah Ford, Our LadyoftheLakeRegionalMedicalCenter;Debbie Spann, UnionGeneralHospital;Susan Waller, Lakeview Regional Medical Center.

School of the Year: Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center—School of Nursing and University of Louisiana Lafayette College of Nursing & Allied Health Professionals.

The Nursing Community Honors Its Own. Louisiana Nurses Foundation Announces Nightingale Recipients, Awards of

Quality Service in the Nursing ProfessionNightingale Awards continued from pg. 6

Outstanding Community Service Award by a Registered Nurse: Angella Arceneaux, University Medical Center; Pamala Ellis, Woman’s Hospital;Ramona Guin,LouisianaTech;Donna Hebert, Woman’s Hospital;Linda Horn-Thompson,Woman’sHospital;Jill Laroussini, University of Louisiana Lafayette, College of Nursing and Allied Health Professionals; Michelle Partridge, SlidellMemorial Hospital;Robin Passman, Baton Rouge General Medical Center; Pamela Quinn, OurLadyoftheLakeRegionalMedicalCenter;Deborah Schmitz, East Jefferson General Hospital; Wanda Spurlock,SouthernUniversitySchoolofNursing;Anne Troy, LSU Health Sciences Center School of Nursing.

Outstanding Employer or Facility of the Year: DaVita and Hospice of Caring Hearts.

Hospital of the Year—fewer than 100 beds and 100 beds or more: Baton Rouge General Medical Center; HEALTHSOUTH Specialty Hospital of North Louisiana; Lafayette General Surgical Hospital; Lafayette Surgical Specialty Hospital; Lakeview Regional Medical Center; Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center; Woman’s Hospital.

Nurse of the Year nominees of the Year: Val Adamo,

Woman’sHospital;Cheryl Carter, East Jefferson General Hospital;Tina Coker,LakeviewRegionalMedicalCenter;Nancy Darland, Louisiana Tech University; Paulette Faul,BatonRougeGeneralMedicalCenter;Val Firmin, Baton Rouge General Medical Center; Chris Gatlin, BatonRougeGeneralMedicalCenter;Mary Ellen Matte, University Medical Center; Andrea Matthews, Ochsner Health Center; Jose Milano, Baton Rouge General MedicalCenter;Phyllis Turnage, Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center.

LSNA2009VolunteerAwardswent toKeeley Dupuy and Darla Webre and District Officer of the Year, Jacqueline Hill, Baton Rouge District.

On behalf of the Louisiana Nurses Foundation and Louisiana State Nurses Association, we would like to congratulate the 2009 Nightingale Award winners and nominees and we look for to the 2010 Nightingale Gala.

For more information, contact:Carol Cairo, RNProgram CoordinatorLouisiana State Nurses Association(225) 201-0993 or [email protected]

Hall of Fame InducteeDr. Jane F. Sumner

Nurse of the YearChris Gatlin

Nursing Educatorof the Year

Judith Gentry

Clinical PracticeNurse of the Year

Meliss Carlson

Advanced PracticeNurse of the Year

Susan Steele-Moses

Nursing Administratorof the Year

Deborah Ford

Mentor of the YearDana Ydarraga

Hall of Fame InducteeDr. Patricia E.

Thompson

Additional 2009 NightingaleAward Winners:

2009VolunteeroftheYear:Keeley Dupuy

2009VolunteeroftheYear:Darla Webre

2009 District Officer of the Year: Jacqueline Hill


Maddie Goes to the Nurse PractitionerNew Children’s Book Highlights the Experience of Visiting a Nurse Practitioner

WINNSBORO, LA—For any child who is nervous about making a trip to a medical office, Maddie Goes to the Nurse Practitioner (published by AuthorHouse), the new children’s book by Cindy Middleton Gray, will help reassure them and calm their fears.

Maddie is a precocious 3-year-old surrounded by brothers and male cousins. Together they have many adventures, and Maddie recounts one of their tales in Maddie Goes to the Nurse Practitioner:

One day when I was swimming at my mamaw’s house, I slipped on the wet concrete because my cousin Eli was chasing me with a dirty frog, & yes he had warty things on him. He had buggy eyes & a REALLY long tongue that hanged out of his mouth like he was being squeezed too hard.

Maddie’s fall results in a minor head injury, so her mother immediately takes her to their family nurse practitioner to get checked out. After she checks in at the clinic, Maddie and her mother meet Carol. Maddie explains:

Then a nice lady named Carol came in to see me. She said she was a nurse prak-tish-un-errr. (My mommy says big words are easier if you say little pieces at a time.)

Ms. Carol said the next time I came I could call her Aunt Carol so I’m gonna do it while I tell this story. Anyways, she asked me some really easy questions & then we played the “silly face” game. She looked at my cut & told me I had big, pretty eyes.

As Maddie recounts her visit with Aunt Carol and her story is sure to give comfort to children—and their parents—who may be nervous about visiting a nurse practitioner or doctor. At the end of the book, Gray gives background information on nurse practitioners for those unfamiliar with the profession.

“Everyone can identify with children and their adventures,” Gray writes. “I felt strongly that the world of medicine should be explained and demystified so that children feel safe and at ease when visiting a medical practitioner.”

About the Author: Cindy Middleton Gray has been a certified family nurse practitioner for almost nine years and a registered nurse since 1994. She works especially well with children, and Maddie’s character is based on her 3-year-old niece. The “Aunt Carol” character in the book is also a real-life adaptation, as Gray allows her patients to call her “Aunt Cindy” if they wish. She lives in Louisiana with her husband, Scott, and their five sons. Maddie Goes to the Nurse Practitioner is her first book.

AuthorHouse is the premier publishing house for emerging authors and new voices in literature. For a complimentary copy of this book for review, members of the media can contact the AuthorHouse Promotional Services Department by calling 888-728-8467 or emailing [email protected].

(When requesting a review copy, please provide a street address.)


Sailing Again with LSNA!! Never too early to maketravel arrangements!!

Sailing again on Thursday,November 5, 2009

LSNA is working on the CE program and details will be announced at a later date…but it is time to think about your travel arrangements!

5.0 contact hours will be awarded for attending both days while on this cruise.

Remember, you do not have to be a nurse to go—so bring your family and friends!!!

Space is limited. Reservations will be accepted on a first come, first served basis. THIS IS A POPULAR TRIP, EARLY RESERVATIONS ARE RECOMMENDED and this is the ONLY way to lock in the excellent price.

Nov 5, 2009—from New Orleans to Cozumel, Mexico

Call Nancy for deposit information

Interior cabin—4A – $315.43pp 1&2/$175.43pp 3&4Ocean view—6A – $365.43pp 1&2/$195.43pp 3&4

Demi Suite—11 – $725.43pp 1&2/$232.43pp 3rd onlySuite—12 – 825.43pp 1&2/$232.43pp 3&4

Rates include 4 nights, accommodations, meals and entertainment on board, port charges, and taxes per person based on double occupancy.

Deposits are required at this time to hold rate but are refundable (certain restrictions apply) if your plans change. Please contact Nancy at Travel Central for details on refunds

Contact Nancy at Travel Central 3221 Causeway Blvd. - Metairie, LA 70002

(504) 834-7000 or (800) 899-8553 fax (504) 834-0159

e-mail: [email protected]


Alternative Therapy . . . What You Don’t Know Can Get You Sued!by Georgia A. Martin

JD, Ph.D., MSN, BSN, RN, CS-P

Ancient people knew how to cure illnesses and ease pains with leaves, herbs, and roots. Now centuries later, people with the most advanced

medical systems in the world are increasingly turning to alternative natural ways of healing.

Broadly speaking alternative therapy includes such practices as acupuncture, homeopathy, acupressure, naturopathy, aromatherapy, chiropractic, intuitional and nutritional healing, therapeutic touch, massage and music therapy, body movement therapies such as yoga, Tai Chi, and Chi Gong, and mind/body/spirit therapies such asmeditation, hypnotherapy, and prayer. The combination of alternative therapy with conventional medical treatments is known as complementary therapy. Alternative and complementary therapies are practiced by nurses and physicians and by nonprofessional therapists.

Can Alternative Therapy Practitioners Be Sued?The answer is an unconditional “yes.” Practitioners

of alternative therapies can be sued for bad outcomes or injuries to patients in their practice.

The standard of care that a court will most probably apply in a lawsuit against an alternative therapy practitioner is the standard of care of the provider’s profession. However, since the law is presently unclear, a court might use a non-conventional standard based on the testimony of other practitioners who practice similar alternative therapies.

If an alternative therapy practitioner is sued and found liable for an injury to a patient, it will most probably be under the theory of negligence. Negligence denotes an injury to a patient caused by a health care provider’s conduct that deviates from professional standards of practice.

Potential triggers for negligence actions include failure to keep current and knowledgeable of accepted practices within one’s profession, using risky unacceptable techniques that are outside of one’s standard and scope of practice, adverse herb-drug or conventional treatment interaction, inattention to signs and symptoms, delay in or failure to make appropriate referrals, and promising false, misleading, or deceptive results. Additional sources of potential liability include patient abandonment, breach of confidentiality or privacy, standard of care, vicarious liable for failing to adequately supervise employees, associates,

and dependent contractors, lack of informed consent, and prescribing drugs without a license.

To help avoid liability claims, alternative therapy practitioners must have some basic knowledge of the triggers listed above; additionally the practice tips andstrategies outlined in this article may be helpful.

Can You Do To Limit Liability Exposure?Alternative therapy practitioner’s liability exposure can

be significantly reduced by staying abreast of credentialing and licensing requirements, by following the standards of practice accepted by their professions, and by confining their interventions to those they are trained to offer. They

must protect patients from harm and thoroughly inform them of the risks involved in specific treatments.

Additionally, they must obtain individual professional liability policies that cover their specific modalities, and they should join professional

associations, network with alternative therapy organizations and practitioners, collaborate in cross referrals, and consult a pharmacist with questions regarding drug interactions.

Moreover, they must continue their education by reading technical reference materials, and by attending seminars, workshops, conventions, correspondence courses, congresses and formal regional schools. However, selfeducationisnotenough; theymustalsoeducatetheirstaff, patients and the public using appropriate literature, workshops, brochures, and flyers.

Furthermore, alternative therapy practitioners who associate should consult a knowledgeable attorney to assist in structuring the association. Practitioners can be found vicariously liable for the negligent acts of their staff and for negligently failing to supervise dependent practitioners. One method of limiting liability exposure for employees is by using independent contractors; however, dependingupon the amount of association control, the organization may still be liable for their negligent acts. In addition, all staff and independent providers in a networked practice should be certified, licensed by their state or registered within their jurisdiction, and practice within the scope of their license. Quality assurance mechanisms should be implemented to check all the providers’ state licenses, professional education and training, credentials, and the National Practitioner Data Bank for legal and disciplinary actions.

Since some alternative therapies are considered experimental, obtaining informed consent assumes added importance for alternative medicine therapists. Prior to prescribing herbal remedies and alternative treatments, a practitioner must obtain the patient’s written informed consent. Informed consent in this context involves the disclosure of the material risks, benefits,

and alternatives to herbal remedies and alternative treatments. A comprehensive consent form that explains all of the traditional informed consent components; inaddition, the form should define limits of the alternative provider’s scope of practice, explain that some alternative therapies are considered experimental, and contain a clear assumption of risk statement that the patient understands and consents in writing is essential. Patients are less likely to bring lawsuits if negligently injured when they are involved in their treatment choices. Therefore, liability exposure can be further reduced by including patients in the decision making process.

In addition, prescribing herbs for medical ailments may be legally outside an alternative therapy practitioner’s scope of practice. One may limit their liability exposure by providing patients with research information about the traditional uses of herbs for specific ailments, rather than diagnosing and prescribing herbs for a specific malady. For example, providing a patient with research information thatKavaKava andValerianhave been shown to reduceanxiety is arguably freedom of speech protected by the First Amendment.

Keep in mind that any herb prescribed for a health condition is considered a drug. A drug not approved for specific use is considered experimental and subject to control by the Federal Drug Administration. The use of unapproved experimental drugs for medical purposes can invalidate a health care provider’s professional liability insurance policy, making the provider personally responsible for all damage awards. To prevent adverse drug and therapy interactions, it is essential to assess all natural and herbal remedies, prescription and over-the-counter medications, and alternative therapies being used by your clients. Ask them questions like “What over-the-counter medications, natural or herbal, are you taking?” or “Who besides your physician or surgeon are you seeing for any reason?” Emphasize the importance of sharing this information with all healthcare professionals involved in their care, and always document all conversations with your clients and their responses.

SummaryProfessional liability law regarding

complementary and alternative medicine is an emerging field with many uncertainties and medical and legal challenges. Since alternative techniques are normally less invasive, the risk of malpractice actions for alternative practitioners is relatively low compared with the liability risks of contemporary medicine. However, the potential for patient injuries and medical malpractice claims exists.

Alternative therapists must be thoroughly knowledgeable regarding their state laws governing alternative medicine. Some states require a license to practice certain alternative techniques, and some modalities are totally banned. An alternative provider, who practices without a license or who practices a therapy not legally authorized, may face civil and criminal penalties. Additionally, practicing in a state without a valid license can invalidate one’s professional malpractice coverage making one personally liable for damage awards if sued. Likewise, therapists who practice alternative medicine not authorized by an institution are practicing outside the scope of their employment. The institution’s employer liability policy will not cover the actions and the therapists could loose their jobs.

Georgia A. Martin, JD, PhD, RN, MSN, BSN, CS-P is the owner of Legal Medical Advisory Services in Silver Spring, Maryland. She also represents nurses in licensure issues and is a consultant to the Department of Defense and Department of Veteran Affairs on medical malpractice issues. She is licensed to practice law in both Maryland and Mississippi. She received her law degree from the University of the District of Columbia School of Law and her PhD, MSN, and BSN from the University of Southern Mississippi.



Baton Rouge District NursesAssociation

District News

BRDNA President’s Message

by Sherri Ellis, MSN, RN, President, BRDNA

Spring is upon us and the BRDNA has been buzzing with activity. In January, several nurses from the BRDNA were honored at the Nightingale Awards. The BRDNA congratulates Channell Bradford, Rookie of the Year;Susan Steele-Moses, Advanced PracticeNurse of theYear;DanaYdarraga, Mentor of the Year;Wanda Spurlock, Outstanding Community Service Award by a Registered Nurse; and Jackie Hill, District Officer of theYear. We are proud of these nurses for their hard work and commitment to nursing.

February was American Heart Month. In keeping with this theme, Rachel Tidwell, MSN, RN with Our Lady of the Lake, presented the topic “Clinical Implications of

Sherri Ellis

Heart Disease in Women.” Women’s health took the front seat again in March when Dr. Lisa Bazzett from Ochsner presented, “Reducing the Risk of Cervical Cancer and Genital Warts in Girls and Women.” Both presentations were well attended.

In April, the Louisiana State Nurses Association will hold it’s annual convention. This year’s theme is, “Nurses: Building a Healthy Louisiana.” BRDNA is excited to have 27 delegates prepared to represent our district as well as numerous other members in attendance. In May, the BRDNA will hold its 20th “Celebrate Nursing Banquet.” This will be a special event as the district also celebrates 90 years of promoting nursing in our community.

The BRDNA is involved and committed to promoting nursing in our community. Participation from nurses in various practice settings is what makes our district strong and viable. In these tough economic times it is easy to understand that nurses want to make smart choices concerning the dollars they spend. Joining the ANA, LSNA, and BRDNA offers a multitude of benefits at the national, state, and local level. If you are not already, I encourage you to become a part of our district. If you are a member, I encourage you to get involved, and become part of the excitement that is BRDNA.

Shreveport District Nurses’ Association Holds Annual

Legislative Breakfast

SDNA held its annual Legislative Breakfast on April 20th at the University Club in downtown Shreveport. The purpose of the breakfast is to allow local area legislators and nurses the opportunity to know one another on a personal level and to share ideas related to health issues affecting nursing and the citizens of the state of Louisiana. SDNA President Shirley Cashio acted as Mistress of Ceremonies for the program.

Sixty-three individuals attended this year’s breakfast . . . nursing educators, nursing administrators, nursing students, nurse practitioners, and staff nurses. Invited legislators in attendance included Representatives Richard Burford,HenryBurnsandJaneSmith;andSenatorSherriSmith. Randal Johnson from Southern Strategy Group, LSNA’s Governmental Relations representative was also present.

Maxine Johnson, SDNA Treasurer, presented an overview of the status of nursing in the state, using a power point presentation that provided a wealth of information. Each legislator in attendance spoke briefly to the group and encouraged all in attendance to contact them for information or to provide input on the many bills that will be filed during this legislative session. Randall Johnson discussed his role in interacting with legislators and made remarks related to the forthcoming legislative session

This is one of the most highly successful activities sponsored by SDNA on an annual basis. Thanks to all who attended . . . we’ll see you again next year!


OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE NEW ORLEANS DISTRICT NURSES ASSOCIATION(ORLEANS, JEFFERSON, PLAQUEMINES, ST. BERNARD, ST. CHARLES,

ST. JAMES, and ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST PARISHES)

Information in this section is the domain of the New Orleans District Nurses Association.

Officers as of May 1, 2009President—Jennifer Couvillon 2009-2011VicePresident—EllenBeyer2009-2011Treasurer—Denise Danna 2009-2011Secretary—Rose Schaubhut 2008-2010Director at Large—Demetrius Porche 2009-2011Director at Large—Leslie Pejic 2009-2011Director at Large—Stephaine Pierce 2009-2011Director at Large—Jacqueline Warren 2008-2010Director at Large—Kathy Carter 2008-2010Director at Large—Anne Troy 2008-2010

Also on the Board are:Bylaws Committee Chair Marilyn HammettHealthcare Policy Co-chairs Kathy Solis Kathy CarterWebsite Editor Jennifer Couvillon

If you are interested in attending a BOD meeting or volunteering for a committee please call: Jennifer Couvillon at [email protected] or [email protected].

Meetings 2009

May 5 Our Lady of Holy Cross 5:30 pm-6:30 pm Board of Directors

June 6 Court of Two Sisters TBA Program

July 7 LSU-HSC SON 5:30 pm-6:30 pm Board of Directors

September 8 Charity/Delgado SON 5:30 pm-6:30 pm Board of Directors

November 3 TBA 5:30 pm-6:30 pm

Board of Directors

March 10th was the date of NODNA’s Student Nurses Night Out. It is our most popular event of the year and was held at The Jefferson Orleans. We have a wonderful attendance by both students and membership—over 120 attendees. We recognized senior nursing students for their achievements.

We thank all of our sponsors for making this year’s Student Nurse Night a success.

DCC/CharitySchoolofNursingfacultyEast Jefferson General HospitalDrs. Kappelman, Boos, & MinnardOur Lady of Holy CrossSt. Charles Parish HospitalCardiology CenterDeepSouthChapter/AMSNHeart Clinic of LouisianaLSUSON AlumniMetropolitan Gastroenterology AssociatesKathy Moisiewicz

Drs. Murphy & WorkmanDemetrius PorchePulmonary Medicine AssociatesDr. Charles SimonsonLisa SchulmeisterKathy SolisUrology Associates of LouisianaWestbank Plastic Surgery, LLCDianna DouglasDebbie GarbeeEdna HullStephanie PierceJennifer CouvillonCatherine LopezKay LopezJ. SavageBonnie AdelsbergBarbara ChauvinMarilyn CookseySue DelauneDiana FoxJudith GentrySusan RickTonia AikenAT&T Real Yellow PagesSue DelauneNurse Attorney Institute, LLCNSODebbie SchmitzUniforms By Bayou

Our thanks also go out to Kathleen Moisiewicz, Jackie Warren and Pat Smart for organizing this event. Of course

we have a special thanks to our Speakers. Tonia D. Aiken and Diane Warlick educated us with their presentation on the need for Malpractice Insurance. Janis Taulli gave the students and NODNA members some food for thought with her presentation “Humor in Nursing”.

Mark your Calendar for June 6th when we will meet again at The Court of Two Sisters. We have such a good time networking and enjoying the buffet. We are scheduled to have a “humorous” time.

NODNA lapel pins are available for purchase for $5.00. E-mail [email protected] for more information.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

AWARDS COMMITTEEThe NODNA Awards Committee recently granted four

(4) scholarships to nursing students from the New Orleans area. The scholarships were presented at the March 10th “Student Nurse Night” event, which was held at the Jefferson Orleans South in Metairie, LA.

Each student awarded met the eligibility criteria such as having a GPA of 2.75, leadership skills, participated in community service and school activities. Additionally, they must write a brief essay responding to the following questions: “What are your career and professional goals?” or “Why do you feel you are deserving or in need of this award?”

The Awards Committee is proud to announce the following winners:

Delgado-Charity Dayna BertautDillard University Eucharia AgwaramghoLSUHSC Gina McCormickOur Lady of Holy Cross Marie Jeanne Comeaux

NODNA Leadership Award is given to a senior level nursing students that demonstrate leadership skills and has made significant contributions to the nursing profession. The Spring 2009 awards will be presented at nursing school senior award ceremonies.

This award will be presented to the following students in May 2009:

Charity Delgado Clayton SpriggsLSUHSC Jennifer HudgensOur Lady of Holy Cross James Foley

NODNA continued on page 14


only five minutes away. Believing it would be in the best interest of her patient, nurse Finnerty countermanded the medical resident’s order and pushed the patient in his bed to ICU where he was intubated. The following week, Ms Finnerty was terminated by the hospital for “gross negligence” and failure to follow direction from a treating physician.

At a hearing, a California licensed physician specialized in internal and pulmonary medicine testified:

“that he has confidence in respondent’s judgment. Dr. Ahmed testified that, given a choice, it is preferable to intubate in an ICU. He also stated that a patient’s vital signs are key factors in determining whether to intubate before transfer to an ICU. He opined that it is appropriate for a nurse to question a doctor’s order, if the nurse deems the order to be inappropriate and that, in the case of patient James C., respondent’s actions were reasonable under the circumstances.”

Nevertheless, the Administrative law judge found that Ms Finnerty “failed to perform her duties competently;”“failed to work collaboratively and usurped the responsibility and decision making authority of the senior health care provider” on the scene—the medical resident. The Board of Nursing revoked her license, which decision was upheld by the California Court of Appeals.

This case raises serious concerns about the impact upon professional nurses faced with this legal and ethical dilemma. Will it lead registered nurses to shy away from questioning a physician order the nurse believes would be harmful to the patient? How can this decision be reconciled with the nurse’s role as patient advocate?

The American Association of Nurse Attorney’s (TAANA) submitted an amicus brief in support of Ms Finnerty raising the legal and ethical issues in detail. The brief can be read in full on the TAANA website, www.taana.org.

The Awards Committee would like to thank the Scholarship Committee members from the local nursing schools that assist with publicizing the availability of the awards and scholarships. These committee members display the flyers and application packets, review the applications, and assist with selecting the students according to the eligibility criteria.

MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEENODNA Membership Committee is happy to report that

Student Nurses Night was a success with 88 senior nursing students from metropolitan New Orleans area nursing schools in attendance. The event was held March 10th at the Jefferson Orleans South in Metairie, Louisiana. In an effort to recruit and welcome new nursing graduates to NODNA, the membership committee distributed personal letters to all May 2009 graduates of Delgado Community College, Dillard University, Our Lady of Holy Cross College, Our Lady of the Lake College, and Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center nursing schools congratulating them on graduation and inviting them to join. Students were notified of the benefits of membership within six months of graduation.

NODNA meetings are held the 1st Tuesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. and are open to everyone. Locations of the meeting change each month. Feel free to call (504) 568-4183 for monthly locations.

PUBLIC RELATIONS COMMITTEENODNA is seeking speakers for the NODNA

Speakers Bureau. Please send resume and prior speaking engagements to Anne Troy at [email protected].

NODNA continued from page 13 Patient Advocacy: How Far Can You Go?by Diane T. Warlick, RN, JD

www.NurseLaw.com

Where the Code of Ethics for Nurses as well as general standards of competent nursing performance require a professional nurse to serve as a vigilant advocate for the health, safety and rights of a patient, can a nurse lose her license for acting in the good faith exercise of her professional judgment to prevent an action by a physician she deems would be harmful to the patient? Unfortunately one very experienced California nurse found herself without a job and without a license to practice because she acted in what she believed was her patient’s best interest, contrary to the physician orders.

In the 2008 case of Finnerty v. California Board of Nursing the facts of the case, according to the Administrative Law Judge are summarized below:

Ms Finnerty was on duty as a “resource nurse” noted to be similar to a charge nurse in the late night—early morning hours of August 16 and 17, 2002. Other personnel on duty included a medical intern with barely two weeks experience in the hospital, a medical resident who received her medical license only 3 days before the incident, a staff nurse, and two respiratory therapists. Patient Doe was noted by the nurse to be suffering increasing respiratory difficulty, and obtained a telephone order from the attending doctor’s physician assistant directing the patient to be transferred to ICU for “respiratory failure impending code” and for the “medical resident to intubate the patient stat”.

Between 6:00 am and 6:15 am, the intern ordered the patient to be transferred to the ICU. The staff nurse left to make the arrangements. At 6:30 to 6:37. The medical intern paged the medical resident to immediately come to the patient’s room. Upon arrival, the medical resident assumed “full responsibility for the patient’s care.” The resident ordered that the patient be intubated in his room with minimal supplies and no cardiac monitor although he was breathing spontaneously, lethargic, and the ICU was

Documents

LSNA President’s Message