Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
Game changers: masks, social distancing, frequent hand washing, increased testing, and ultimately a vaccine! In the spring and summer months of 2020, we eagerly anticipated the arrival of the fall season hoping that things would feel “normal” again. Yet, we are still dealing with the novel coronavirus COVID-19. And, at times there seems to be no end in sight with this pandemic. According to the Mississippi State Department of Health,
current resident or
Presort StandardUS Postage
PAIDPermit #14
Princeton, MN55371
Vol. 82, No. 3 Fall 2020Quarterly publication distributed to approximately 61,300 RNs and LPNs in Mississippi.
The Mississippi RNTHE MISSISSIPPI NURSES ASSOCIATION IS THE VOICE OF REGISTERED NURSES AND ADVANCED PRACTICE REGISTERED NURSES
IN MISSISSIPPI AND HAS PROVIDED LEADERSHIP TO IMPROVE THE HEALTH OF ALL PEOPLE FOR THE PAST 100 YEARS
A Message from the President
Tonya Moore, PhD, RN
The Mississippi Nurses’ Association’s House of Delegates will be held on
Wednesday, October 14, 2020 from 8:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m.Via a Web Conference Platform
NOTICE OF VIRTUAL HOUSE OF DELEGATES MEETING
Col. Steven Maxwell
Eric McLaughlin, CCMI-M
Ruth Ann Rigby, CRS
Damon Darsey, MD
Tearsanee Davis, DNP, FNP-BC, FAANP
Phyllis Johnson, MSN, RN, FNP-BC
Thomas Dobbs, III, MD, MPH
Ken Seeley, CCMI-M
Michael Manning, MD
Loraine Gaddis, PhD, RN
Leandro Mena, MD
Lt. John Harless
VIRTUAL CONVENTION
JOIN US AT OUR 109THMISSISSIPPI NURSES' ASSOCIATION
CONVENTIONVirtual Event Available October 14 - December 14, 2020
LEGENDARY PRESENTERSDamon Darsey, MD, Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine and Pediatrics at the University of Mississippi Medical Center
Tearsanee Davis, DNP, FNP-BC, FAANP, Director, Clinical and Advanced Practice Operations, UMMC Center for Telehealth
Thomas Dobbs, III, MD, MPH, State Health Officer, MS State Department of Health
Loraine Gaddis, PhD, RN, FNP-BC
Lt. John Harless, MS Bureau of Narcotics
Phyllis Johnson, MSN, RN, FNP-BC, Executive Director, Mississippi Board of Nursing
Michael Manning, MD, Founder, Mississippi Vein Institute
Col. Steven Maxwell, Director of Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics
Leandro Mena, MD, Department Chair, Department of Population Health Science, University of Mississippi Medical Center
Ruth Ann Rigby, CRS, Addiction Advocate, Co-Founder of First Responders of Mississippi
Ken Seeley, CCMI-M, Featured Interventionist on the Emmy Award Winning A&E television series “Intervention” & Eric McLaughlin, CCMI-M, CEO of The Ken Seeley Group
LEGENDS OF TODAY EXHIBIT HALL
MARVELOUS MINDS OF HEALTH CARE HEROES POSTER SESSION
EXTENDED ACCESS TO CE
the total of reported COVID-19 cases in Mississippi was 72,136 and the total number of deaths was 2,084 as of August 15. Hospitalizations are now at an all-time high and in-patient bed availability is limited. Nurses, in particular, are feeling the strain and stress this pandemic is having on our health systems. Staffing is a challenge and many of us are working overtime to meet the nursing supply and demand issues. Thank you, Mississippi nurses, for hanging in there! You continue to step up during difficult times and I extol you for that!
To all of our APRNs and RNs, while you are engaged in direct patient care or in your administrative roles making sure policies and practices are adequate, MNA is (simultaneously) working on your behalf. Teresa Malone, Executive Director for MNA, and I continue to serve as nursing representatives on the Governor’s Advisory Group on
COVID-19. Additionally, the staff at MNA has hosted more than a dozen complimentary “Coping with COVID” webinars available to all nurses to help us find positive solutions that address the psychological impact of COVID-19. These are only a few strategic initiatives that MNA is engaged in. The list goes on and on. I have acknowledged in past articles and it is worth repeating now, MNA works to improve health standards and the availability of health care services for all people; fosters high standards of nursing; stimulates and promotes the professional development of nurses; and promotes and protects the professional environment we work in. Mississippi nurses are better positioned because of MNA’s work.
Like many of you, I thought we would be in our “new normal” way of living by now. However, with
A Message from the President continued on page 3
Page 2 • Mississippi RN September, October, November 2020
Board of Directors
President Vice PresidentTonya Moore, PhD, RN Carl Mangum, PhD, [email protected] [email protected]
Secretary TreasurerJohnnie Sue Wijewardane, Debra Rhinewalt, BSN, CHPNPhD, APRN, FNP-BC, FAANP [email protected]@gmail.com
Directors
Council on Nursing Education Council on Nursing ResearchTomekia Luckett, PhD, RN Ashley Krebs, PhD, RN, CHSE [email protected] [email protected] Council on Health Affairs Council on Nursing PracticeAlena Lester, DNP, VacantAPRN, FNP-C, ONP-C [email protected]
Council on Council onOrganizational Affairs Advanced PracticeSandra Arnold, MSN, RN Shonda Phelon, DNP, RN, [email protected] FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC, GNP-B [email protected]
MNA Staff
Executive Director Finance Administrator/Teresa Malone Membership [email protected] Deborah Norman [email protected]
Executive Assistant Director of EventsLaGina Walker & [email protected] Dana Walker [email protected] Practice Coordinator/Publishing CoordinatorDionne Inman [email protected]
MNA District Presidents
AdvertisingFor advertising rates and information, please contact Arthur L. Davis Pub-lishing Agency, Inc., PO Box 216, Cedar Falls, Iowa 50613, (800) 626-4081, [email protected]. MNA and the Arthur L. Davis Publishing Agency, Inc. reserve the right to reject any advertisement. Responsibility for errors in ad-vertising is limited to corrections in the next issue or refund of price of adver-tisement.
Acceptance of advertising does not imply endorsement or approval by the Mississippi Nurses’ Association of products advertised, the advertisers, or the claims made. Rejection of an advertisement does not imply a product offered for advertising is without merit, or that the manufacturer lacks integrity, or that this association disapproves of the product or its use. MNA and the Arthur L. Davis Publishing Agency, Inc. shall not be held liable for any consequences resulting from purchase or use of an advertiser’s product. Articles appearing in this publication express the opinions of the authors; they do not necessar-ily reflect views of the staff, board, or membership of MNA or those of the national or local associations.
Mississippi RN is published quarterly every March, June, September and De-cember and is the official publication of the Mississippi Nurses’ Association, 31 Woodgreen Place, Madison, MS 39110, a constituent member of the Ameri-can Nurses Association.
District 1: Adams, Franklin, Jefferson, and Wilkinson countiesBrenda [email protected]
District 2: Amite, Copiah, Lawrence, Lincoln, Pike, and Walthall countiesTammy [email protected]
District 5: Hancock, Harrison, Pearl River, and Stone countiesDeborah [email protected]
District 6:Jackson, George, and Greene countiesRobbie [email protected]
District 7: Covington, Forrest, Lamar, Perry, Jefferson Davis & Marion countiesLinda [email protected]
District 8: Jasper, Jones, and Wayne countiesEmily [email protected]
District 11: Simpson and Smith countiesTeresa [email protected]
District 12: Claiborne, Issaquena, Sharkey, and Warren countiesDebbie [email protected]
District 13: Hinds, Rankin, Madison and Yazoo countiesBeverly [email protected]
District 15: Leake, Neshoba, Newton, and Scott countiesCassandra [email protected]
District 16: Clarke, Kemper, and Lauderdale countiesLinda [email protected]
District 18: Choctaw, Clay, Lowndes, Noxubee, Oktibbeha, Webster, and Winston countiesSally [email protected]
District 21: Humphries, Sunflower, and Washington counties Kaffie [email protected]
District 23: Bolivar, Coahoma, Quitman, Tallahatchie, and Tunica counties.
District 25: Alcorn, Benton, Calhoun, Chickasaw, Itawamba, Lee, Monroe, Pontotoc, Prentiss, Tippah, Tishomingo, and Union counties Shada Breeze [email protected]
District 28: DeSoto, Marshall, and Tate countiesKadie [email protected]
District 31: Lafayette, Panola, and Yalobusha countiesMorgan [email protected]
District 32: Attala, Carroll, Grenada, Holmes, Leflore, and Montgomery countiesDawn [email protected]
Published by:Arthur L. Davis
Publishing Agency, Inc.
www.msnurses.org
EVENT DATE & LOCATIONNRCME/FMCSA DOT Medical Examiner Course
Online CEAvailable Summer and Fall, 2020
2020 Annual ConventionVirtual Event
October 14-December 14, 2020
NRCME/FMCSA DOT Medical Examiner Course
HealthWorks North Mississippi – Tupelo, MSNovember 6, 2020
Quality in Healthcare Symposium Corinth, MS November 13-14, 2020
TRAVEL TOURS MORE TOUR DATES TBA
Discover Scotland March 14-23, 2021
MNA: Meeting the CNE Needs of Mississippi’s RNs & APRNs
Upcoming Meetings & Events
More events coming soon! Please check our website – www.msnurses.org/eventsInstall the MNA Mobile App – MS Nurses Association
Recruiting all RN’sNew Base Pay Rates
Eastern LAMental Health SystemCall (225) 634-4303for more info
The largest publicly foundedMental Health System in Louisiana
Leading the way in Mental Health Care!
September, October, November 2020 Mississippi RN • Page 3
Sandra “Sandi” Arnold, MSN, RNDirector, Council on Organizational Affairs
If you are like me, every year I cannot wait for Convention to get here. It’s great getting to network with everyone but most of all, I love learning about some of the latest topics in nursing. With a theme that pays tribute to YOU, the MNA 2020 Convention has had to take a new twist and will be virtual this year making it easy for you to participate at your leisure. No need to worry about your safety at a large meeting or expend funds to travel. All you have to do is register and you’ll have access to over 35 presentations through December 14th. As always, sessions have been tailored to meet your requests, and will encompass clinical and trending topics in healthcare including COVID-19 specific sessions. Just a sneak peek at the sessions - palliative care, caring for patients after COVID, nurse suicide, pain management, diabetes, opioids, leadership in times of COVID, addressing unconscious bias, telehealth, chronic wounds, nurses use of social media, medical marijuana, common drug interactions, anxiety and mental health, obesity, addiction from a nurse’s perspective and controlled substances update. If you’re like me, you are excited to be able to have access to all these sessions and more! Plus, you will have two months to access the sessions.
Are you wondering about how a virtual convention would include an Expo? Well our MNA staff thought about that as well. To stay abreast of the latest products and services from vendors, you’ll be delighted to know that by registering for convention, you’ll have access to “visit” vendors via our virtual expo Legends of Today. Not only will you hear directly from the vendor, but you’ll also be provided contact information. No shoes required to tour this year’s expo - vendors are just a click away. Keeping with our tradition of giving away great door prizes, winners of door prizes will be selected over the duration of the extended virtual convention.
Pivoting to provide a virtual convention with the depth and scope attendees expect of MNA requires the dedication of numerous individuals. To the Convention Planning Committee chaired by Dr. Teresa Stanford and the Provider Unit under the Director of Nursing Education, Dr. Tomekia Luckett and Co-chaired by Dr. Deloris Slade and Marilyn Ellis, I want to extend special appreciation for their hard work to ensure our convention, although virtual, is outstanding.
There is no doubt that you - registered nurses and advanced practice registered nurses - have always been, are, and will always be HEROES! We encourage all Heroes to join us for Healthcare Heroes: 2020 Year of the Nurse.
Special Thanks to our Mississippi Chefs for making Phase I of this series so special!
Chef Dan Blumenthal, Executive Chef and Partner,
BRAVO!Jackson, MS
Chef Cole Ellis, Owner and Executive Chef, Delta Meat
MarketCleveland, MS
Chef John Mabry, Owner, Vicari Italian Grill and
The ConservatoryCorinth, MS
Chef Rob Stinson, Owner and Executive Chef,
Salute Italian, Kelly’s, and The Reef,
Gulfport and Biloxi, MS
Chef Nick Wallace, Founder and Executive Chef of Nick
Wallace Culinary, Nick Wallace Catering, and
Creativity KitchenJackson and Natchez, MS
Chef Dan Schroeder, Executive Chef,
Park Heights RestaurantTupelo, MS
Sizzlin’ SummerSERIES
The Clarion Ledger recognized Carl Mangum, PhD, RN, PMHNP-BC, NHDP-BC: June's Community Hero: Carl Mangum on the front lines of disasters worldwide. The Clarion Ledger Community Heroes program is a monthly honor created to recognize unsung heroes around the metro Jackson area.
The complete article can be accessed at https://clar ionledger.com/story/ l i fe/2020/06/28/carl-mangum-national-medical-disaster-response-coronavirus-june-community-hero/5343583002/
Congratulations to Dr. Carl Mangum, The Clarion Ledger
June Community Hero
so much uncertainty related to the pandemic, our “new normal” is yet to be defined. I know you are physically and mentally exhausted and I cannot say this enough - thank you! Thank you for doing what we do best as nurses - to provide top quality care to our Mississippians. We must continue to press on and push forward. As we embark on the fall and winter seasons, we will also encounter our usual respiratory illnesses, on top of the illnesses related to this pandemic! I urge you to remain encouraged. Let’s focus on establishing good habits that work to mitigate and slow the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses. Wear a face covering when you are in a building or unable to maintain a minimum of six feet of social distancing. Wash your hands frequently and vigorously for at least 20 seconds. Refrain from touching your face and be sure to get your annual influenza vaccine. These timeless habits are useful now and they will be useful in our uncertain future. When you model these positive behaviors and demonstrate personal responsibility, you also send the message to family, friends and neighbors that these actions are important.
I also want to express to teachers everywhere and especially in Mississippi, that nurses stand with you. We understand the mixed emotions you must be experiencing right now, including fear and helplessness. Hang in there!
Indeed, the year 2020 will go down in our history books. I am privileged to serve as President of the MNA Board of Directors, particularly during these unprecedented times. In October, we will host our 109th Annual MNA Convention. And, it will mark another first for us - it will be a virtual convention. MNA will provide additional information soon. I look forward to virtually “seeing” you all there.
A Message from the President continued from page 1
Page 4 • Mississippi RN September, October, November 2020
Shonda Phelon, DNP, FNP-BC,PMHNP-BC, GNP-BC, Director, Council on Advanced Practice
The song from the Broadway musical Hamilton, “The Room Where it Happens,” is a wonderful lively tune that has deep meaning to me as an advanced practice nurse. In the musical, the song is about a dinner table deal between Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and Alexander Hamilton which supposedly laid the foundation of a federal taxation plan in exchange for the nation’s capital being relocated to the Potomac River which is now Washington, D.C.
The catchy lyrics “No one else was in the room where it happened. No one really knows how the game is played; The art of the trade; How the sausage gets made; We just assume that it happens” can apply to many of us. How often do we just accept various dinner table or back door deals that impact our careers and profession? The idea of being in the room where it happens is similar to the phrase “Having a seat at the table.”
Nurses having a seat at the table has been a long standing issue in our profession, and I am sure you have discussed and debated this in the classroom or among colleagues for years. The concept is not new, but I believe it should be revisited. I have worked in nursing for over 30 years and 28 years as an APRN. In 2020, the year of the nurse and a global pandemic, nurses should be in the room and at the table. The need for nurses to have a voice has never been greater.
Report from Council on Advanced Practice
We need to be full partners, advocates and influencers in the room and at the table discussing issues affecting nurses and healthcare. We need to be influencers of policy that impacts us and our patients. Although we are often seen as the most trusted profession, nurses are not viewed as influencers. We often rely on others to do this work for us. Today, in 2020, advanced practice registered nurses are still in restricted practice in Mississippi. Many states, even southern states, lifted these barriers to practice at the beginning of the pandemic. Mississippi did not.
I believe the main reason that Mississippi does not have full practice authority and regulations were not lifted for us is that we–nurses–are often not in the room or at the table. Sometimes we get so busy with work and life that we don’t make time to “go to the room.” We often depend on others to speak for us, which is good to an extent. We need our leaders, lobbyists and advocates, but at the end of the day it is our profession, and WE, all of us, need to be united and actively involved in the decisions impacting our profession. Mississippi is currently struggling with the COVID-19 pandemic. Our citizens are some of the most vulnerable, sick, and uninsured in the nation. Allowing APRNs to practice to the full extent of training and education would most likely alleviate many healthcare disparities, improve access to care, and improve the health of our most underserved citizens.
In order to bring about change and advocate for ourselves, we all have to be involved as much as possible. The following tips may help you plan and set your course to be “in the room where it happens”!
1. Be a member of and be active in your professional organization. Attend meetings. Serve on committees and boards when possible.
Network and make contacts which will help you reach your professional goals.
2. Be a mentor. Don’t “eat our young.” Help mold and develop young nurses and APRNs.
3. Look for a nurse mentor. Find a leader who can help you learn to find your voice and become more involved professionally.
4. Serve on boards in healthcare related organizations or non-profits. Learn the workings of boards and how decisions are made. Be a voice for nursing and patients on these boards.
5. Learn how policy is developed. Seek out areas of policy you want to influence. Get involved with MNA’s Health Affairs Committee. Consult with former faculty or colleagues. Know your legislators and the policy agenda they have established. Research their voting record and how they stand on issues.
6. Educate your friends and family about healthcare related policy issues, especially full practice authority.
7. Get to know your local, state and federal elected officials. Build relationships. Educate them on your work, education and training.
As we move forward in 2020 during this pandemic, let’s not forget those issues that really impact us and that could help us improve the care we provide. We need to continue to push for full practice authority and continue to educate everyone on the fact that if APRNs are given the opportunity to practice to their full extent of education and training, we can give patients in Mississippi more access to care which would in turn improve health and help alleviate disparities in healthcare.
We Need To Be In the Room Where It Happens
September, October, November 2020 Mississippi RN • Page 5
Teresa Malone
“That’s What Friends Are For” (Dionne Warwick), “Lean On Me” (Bill Withers), “Thank You For Being A Friend” (Andrew Gold), “Count On Me” (Bruno Mars), “With A Little Help From My Friends” (The Beatles) - all songs about friendship and all applicable in today’s extraordinary times. Support, encouragement, inspiration, reassurance, perspective, enlivening - the many ways friends help each other.
That’s What Friends Are For: Mississippi’s registered nurses and advanced practice registered nurses are some of the best friends an association could ever have! You’ve graciously talked to us when we called; welcomed the opportunity to obtain CE through our virtual sessions, provided insight into your needs, both on a personal and professional level; volunteered to record virtual presentations; responded to surveys, worked with us to locate PPE; attended our Coping with COVID and Coping with COVID 2.0 live, virtual webinars and tuned in for our Sizzlin’ Summer Series featuring live, virtual cooking demonstrations.
Likewise, MNA has been honored to continue our legacy of being a true friend to the registered nurses and advanced practice registered nurses in our State. Our strong relationships with numerous friends of nursing have enabled us to quickly develop programs to meet the needs of nurses during this time by hosting virtual CE events, providing resources to assist nurses in identifying options for patients in need of mental health services, hosting live virtual webinars focusing on nurses’ mental health, stress management, exercise, and self-care, and providing a fun time for nurses to relax while enjoying cooking demonstrations.
Count On Me: Attendees have described our in-person CE events as first-class and noted their appreciation that emerging and trending topics are always included. We wanted to continue that stellar reputation with our virtual CE offerings during this time where COVID-19 precludes us from hosting in-person events. Recognizing the need for immediate access to information regarding COVID, the Mississippi Board of Nursing, Office of Nursing Workforce promptly worked
That’s What Friends Are For
Executive Director’s Column
with us to sponsor COVID-19 Issues and a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certification Review Course, both free virtual events available to registered nurses and advanced practice registered nurses. We extend our sincere appreciation to Phyllis Johnson, Executive Director; Gregg Taylor, Director, Office of Nursing Workforce; and Shan Montgomery, Director of Finance and Operations with the Mississippi Board of Nursing. We also appreciate the many volunteers who quickly rallied together with us to provide a virtual Controlled Substance Webinar, and Deloris Slade, DNP, FNP-BC for presenting the virtual Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Department of Transportation Medical Examiner Review Course. We are always grateful for the nurses and other professionals who take time to present for us, but during this hectic time, we want to acknowledge the special generosity of these individuals.
Our upcoming 2020 Convention, Healthcare Heroes: 2020 Year of the Nurse, will also be virtual and we are working diligently to ensure it meets the level of excellence you’ve come to expect at an MNA event. Although virtual, it’s our intent to provide you the positive, beneficial experience you are accustomed to, including information from sponsors and exhibitors. We are honored to have Ken Seely, featured interventionist on the Emmy Award Winning A&E television series “Intervention” and recognized author, along with Eric McLaughlin, CEO of The Ken Seeley Group. In response to the significant impact that COVID-19 has had on our professional and personal lives, specific sessions will include an update from Thomas Dobbs, MD, State Health Officer; the impact of Telehealth presented by Tearsanee Davis, DNP, FNP-BC, FAANP; leadership during this pandemic presented by Donna Pritchard, MSN, RN, FNP-BC; the ER dilemma for patients and providers presented by Damon Darsey, MD; and how COVID-19 has created a new abnormal presented by Roderick Green, PMHNP-BC. Colonel Stephen Maxwell, Director of the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics and Lieutenant John Harless will share their insights on the increase in opioid use and what providers can expect in the near future. Attendees always welcome the opportunity to obtain the latest information from the Mississippi Board of Nursing and we’re honored for them to be providing an update during our virtual convention.
NOW HIRING
LOCATIONS! at all 3
Beverly Ponder: 601-698-0238
covingtoncountyhospital.com
Sandra Rasberry: 601-849-7367
mghosp.org
Zip Windom: 601-847-7113
simpsongeneral.com
RNs, LPNs CNAsSign on Bonuses and Student Loan Repayment May be Available!
Lean On Me: Through our partnership with Pine Grove Behavioral Health and Addiction Services and First Responders of Mississippi, we hosted webinars to support nurses’ mental health, encourage self-care and stress management, and provide useful resources for nurses and their patients. These webinars featured distinguished presenters conveying techniques and suggestions for nurses to better manage stress and anxiety during this time, along with tangible resources for use by nurses and their patients. The feedback we have received confirms that these webinars were embraced by nurses across the State.
With A Little Help From My Friends: We heard you when you said that you were exhausted and craved a chance to relax. As Mississippians, it’s well-known that we love to cook and eat. What better way to relax than to learn how to make delicious dishes from some of our renowned chefs? As MNA supports and advocates for registered nurses and advanced practice registered nurses throughout our State; it’s fitting that our Sizzlin’ Summer Series features distinguished chefs from across the State. As chefs are working to develop the “new normal” in their restaurants, we sincerely appreciate their willingness to show their support for nurses by demonstrating how to prepare some of their most-requested dishes.
Thank You For Being A Friend: MNA is fortunate to have members who are dedicated to ensuring the continued success of MNA and the nursing profession. You recognize that it’s more important than ever before for MNA, the voice of Mississippi’s registered nurses and advanced practice registered nurses, to be heard in all areas of healthcare and at all levels of government. From the need for PPE; encouragement of the public to wear masks, social distance, and wash hands frequently; participation on committees and advisory groups; dissemination of and access to reliable, actionable information; and identification of resources, MNA is diligently working for you and your patients. To all of you who are members, including those who have joined as a new member during what we know is a difficult financial time, we thank you! It’s during the most difficult times that friends must stand strong together and work in tandem for the betterment of the nursing profession and the patients in our State.
Let’s continue to strengthen and build friendships, support MNA and advocate for the nursing profession through emails, texts, virtual webinars and social media until we can gather together once again!
Visit nursingALD.com today!
Search job listingsin all 50 states, and filter by location and credentials.
Browse our online databaseof articles and content.
Find eventsfor nursing professionals in your area.
Your always-on resource for nursing jobs, research, and events.
Page 6 • Mississippi RN September, October, November 2020
Thomas E. Dobbs, III, MD, MPHState Health Officer
Mississippi State Department of Health
As COVID-19 continues to frustrate our moves toward a normal life, we must accept the necessary adjustments to our daily routines that prevent transmission in our communities. At the end of May 2020, Mississippi was on the right path with declining case rates and deaths. However, an overexuberant embrace of summer traditions and family gatherings drove Mississippi to lead the nation in per capita cases with an inevitable surge in deaths. Over the past two weeks, we have seen a welcome decline in cases and deaths. To maintain this positive momentum, we must follow the simple steps that can keep our communities safer.
Schools and CollegesOur next great challenge will be to navigate the difficulties of in-person
instruction for K-12 and college. Even more challenging will be the prevention of transmission in social and extracurricular settings where social distancing and mask discipline are difficult to maintain. The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) has been working closely with schools and colleges to prevent and mitigate transmission. For detailed guidance please see - https://msdh.ms.gov/msdhsite/_static/14,21866,420.html#schools.
Prevention of spread on campus will be a great challenge given the high degree of community spread. In the first weeks of school, with only a minority of schools opened, we have seen hundreds of cases in schools, necessitating over 2,000 teachers, staff and students entering quarantine. One school has already closed for 14 days given the large case burden. The vast majority of cases brought this disease with them from the community. To support the successful operations of our schools, we must extinguish community transmission. This means we must all wear a mask in public, maintain space from others and avoid large groups. Over the summer we have recognized that social interactions, when we let our guard down, are major drivers of COVID spread. These include family gatherings, meals with friends, shared time in the breakroom, funerals, and church gatherings, just to mention a few. Social gatherings have particular risks for college campuses. Off campus events, where social distancing and masking are unlikely, have already forced the closure of the University of North Carolina campus. Anecdotal reports of similar behaviors in Mississippi and early outbreak data suggest that we may face the same tough decisions soon.
To keep you informed, all K-12 schools in Mississippi are required to submit weekly reports to MSDH with information on the number of cases among staff and students. MSDH will post weekly summary updates on schools by county.
Isolation and QuarantineIsolation of contagious cases and quarantine of exposed individuals are essential
elements of outbreak control. Cases of COVID-19 are considered contagious for 48 hours before the onset of symptoms through 14 days after symptom onset (~16 days). Anyone with significant exposure to a COVID case (defined as spending
Coronavirus Update
CORONAVIRUS
September, October, November 2020 Mississippi RN • Page 7
The Mississippi Nurses’ Association and Pine Grove Behavioral Health and Addiction Services understand the impact COVID-19 has had on our registered nurses and advanced practice registered nurses as these heroes continue to work despite anxiety or uncertainty they may feel during this time. To support nurses’ mental health, self-care, and stress management, MNA and Pine Grove have partnered to present Coping with COVID, an educational series that will provide nurses easy access to timely webinars.
Coping with COVID
Coping with COVID 2.0
The Mississippi Nurses’ Association and First Responders of Mississippi are presenting a series of Free mini webinars – Coping with COVID 2.0. We applaud all our Mississippi nurses and First Responders for their dedication and valor every day! We will get through this together!
CORONAVIRUS
15 minutes within 6 feet) needs to “quarantine” for 14 days. This allows for the exposed individual to avoid others if they become contagious in that interval. Please see https://msdh.ms.gov/msdhsite/_static/resources/9914.pdf for the required elements of quarantine. Given the high level of disease in the community, isolation and quarantine procedures are already complicating school operations.
Cases are considered non-contagious after 14 days from symptom onset (or 14 days from positive test from those who are asymptomatic). We strongly discourage the use of repeat testing to clear cases to return to work or for nursing home placement. The COVID tests will routinely stay positive long past the period of contagiousness by identifying residual genetic material. CDC recommends that repeat testing not be performed for three months from the initial positive test.
The Path ForwardIn order for us to reach a normal status, we must
achieve a level of immunity that prevents community spread. This concept is usually referred to as “herd immunity.” Current studies support the likelihood that infection with COVID-19 does generate some duration of immunity. We are constantly learning more about this virus, so stay tuned on this one. Only a small proportion of Mississippian’s are currently immune (due to infection). Data from blood banks reveal that only 1.9% of Mississippi have antibodies (or evidence of prior infection). An MSDH antibody testing event in Holmes County (a heavily impacted county) identified that 7.7% had evidence of prior infection. This is a long way from the ~70% immunity needed to see herd immunity. The most likely way for us to achieve this threshold is an effective vaccine.
Numerous vaccines candidates are under development. Innovation and heavy investment by the federal government make it likely that vaccines could be available as early as the first of 2021. We are still very early in clinical trials – so evidence of efficacy and safety are still forthcoming. Even so, it will likely take many months to produce and distribute sufficient vaccine to achieve the needed herd immunity levels. So, for now and the foreseeable future, we must depend on the simple measures that we know work: six feet, a mask, and small groups. This will require a little sacrifice, but collective acceptance by all will keep us from the extreme measures adopted in the Spring. Stay safe!
Special thanks to Pine Grove Behavioral Health for your partnership!
We extend our appreciation to First Responders of Mississippi and Ruth Ann Rigby for their partnership and support!
Webinar recordings can be accessed at https://www.msnurses.org/resources/news
Webinar recordings can be accessed at https://www.msnurses.org/resources/news
To access electronic copies of the Mississippi RN, please visit
http://www.nursingald.com/publications
Page 8 • Mississippi RN September, October, November 2020
Janet McMillan, DSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC
COVID-19 is an emergency situation that is unprecedented in our country. While many people feel the effects of disasters such as 911, Hurricane Katrina, the California wildfires, earthquakes in the west, and other regional emergencies, this is the first time the entire country has been directly affected by any emergency situation at the same time. Fear and anxiety can be overwhelming and affect people in different ways. It can be stressful for both adults and children and it is particularly important that we understand that our reactions as healthcare providers to this event can affect everyone around us. The fear of the unknown is great. And there are a lot of unanswered questions during this unprecedented time; however, it is important for you to take care of your mental health during a disaster such as this pandemic.
Everyone responds to stress in different ways. The most important underlying theme during an event such as this is to maintain as much a normal routine as possible. The purpose of this article is to provide information so that you will be able to identify ways to assist you and your family to maintain some degree of normalcy in your lives, and offer you resources to help continue to maintain a healthy lifestyle both physically and emotionally. First, let's identify some ways that this pandemic outbreak may have affected you and your families personally.
During situations like these, high risk groups emerge. We understand that there are people who may be at risk physically from contracting the virus due to an already debilitated state of health. The psychological risk factor is also present in certain populations of people. That would include
• older people and people with chronic diseases, • people who are helping with the response to
COVID-19 such as health care providers or first responders,
• people who have mental health conditions including problems with substance abuse, and
• children and teens.
Most of us either fall into one of these categories or have people we care about who fall into one of these categories. That's why it is important for us to recognize that we have to maintain some degree of normalcy in our lives to help reduce the long-term effects of a disaster such as this.
We have been inundated with information about social distancing, sanitizing, maintaining good hygiene practices, and other infection control measures. Probably the most difficult aspect of these lifestyle changes involves social distancing. Humans are social beings and we must interact with other people in order to maintain our mental health. While a little isolation is sometimes a good thing, it looks like we're going to be maintaining some degree of social distancing for some time. Here are some strategies that we can employ during this time of social distancing that may assist us to maintain that need for social interaction while observing infection control practices:
• Continue to interact via Telecommunication devices such as Skype, Zoom, FaceTime, and other electronic means of communication.
• There is still the possibility of interacting face to face with other individuals by maintaining a safe distance of at least six feet between individuals.
• Avoid physical contact such as handshakes, hugging, or touching.
Remember that social distancing does not necessarily mean social isolation. There are still things that are acceptable to do during this challenging period:
• Avoid situations where there are crowds of people. You can still interact with select people that you know do not have any symptoms.
• Still maintain family relationships to the extent possible.
• Most restaurants are still allowing carryout food items and some inside dining. This will allow you to get out into the public briefly while still maintaining social distancing.
• Take a walk outside. It is important to be out in the sun to boost endorphins and promote mental well-being.
• It is understandable that you will still have to go to the grocery store, pharmacy, or other places briefly. Try to cluster your activities to reduce the number of times you have to go out and make a list so you can reduce your time in these crowded locations.
• If you have to go out, take your hand sanitizer, avoid shaking hands or touching other people.
• It is still OK to have small gatherings of friends or family (less than 10 people) in order to maintain relationships with others who are experiencing the same things you are.
As health care providers, it is important that we recognize symptoms of overwhelming stress and anxiety in people around us. This would be important to recognize in ourselves, family members, or others in the community that may need assistance. Some signs that stress is becoming too difficult to manage include:
• changes in sleeping or eating habits • continued fear or worry about one's health
or the health of loved ones to the point of rumination
• a worsening of chronic health conditions already present
• increased use of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs
• an increase in compulsive behaviors • any change in mental status (which could
indicate either a decline in mental health functioning or the presence of an illness in an elderly person—delirium)
As we think about ways to manage stress and anxiety, it's important to remember to keep up with routines that were present before the pandemic. A chaotic home environment creates more stress. However, there are some strategies that you can implement to reduce stress and anxiety during this difficult time:
• Adapt your exercise routine that can be continued in the home by performing exercises that can be done in a confined space such as stair stepping or walking in place.
• Cluster your exercise routine into 15 to 20-minute sessions that can be spaced throughout the day to reduce boredom.
• Maintain contact with a tight circle of friends or family that can check on each other to make sure everyone stays well.
• Stay informed about the progress of the health situation from trusted and reliable sources such as the CDC. But don’t let these updates be your main source of “entertainment.”
• Take this time to catch up on a good movie or read a good book whenever possible.
• Adopt an attitude of “now I can focus on my home and family” rather than “I’m stuck here in this house with nothing to do.”
Are We There Yet? Coping During COVID
CORONAVIRUS
www.SouthernHealthcare.com301 New Pointe | Ridgeland, MS 39157
T: 601.933.0037 | 800.880.2772 Successfully Serving Mississippi Since 1993
SPECIALIZING IN THE TEMPORARY AND PERMANENT PLACEMENT OF MEDICAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE PROFESSIONALS.
Join our team of first rate nurses!
Call Today!
The Mississippi Center for Quality and Workforce is focused on data, analysis, and providing solutions for
emerging healthcare challenges.
QUALITY– Improving Patient Safety and Outcomes– Decreasing Hospital Acquired Conditions– Reducing 30 day Readmissions
WORKFORCE– Summer Student Nurse Externship Program– High School Mentorship Program– Annual Hospital and LTC Mississippi Report
of Nursing Vacancy
Impacting Healthcare & Health
Workforce daily.
STRATEGIC
SMART
CONNECTIVE
RELIABLE
Visit us online to learn more: MSCQW.ORG
CONTACT:Executive Director: LaNelle Weems, MSN, RNProjects Manager: Robin Powell
Office: 601-368-3321 Fax: 601-368-3200
September, October, November 2020 Mississippi RN • Page 9• Eat healthy, well balanced meals, get plenty of
sleep, and stay well hydrated. • Choose foods that have a long shelf life
rather than lots of fresh fruits and vegetables because they spoil more easily and have to be replenished often.
Remember that children and teens react to and model behaviors they see adults around them emulate. It's important to include children and teens in your routine so they will learn healthy ways to cope with stress.
Children react to stress in different ways. According to the CDC, some signs that your child or teen may be stressed include:
• Excessive crying or irritation in younger children
• Returning to behaviors they have outgrown (for example, toileting accidents or bedwetting)
• Excessive worry or sadness• Unhealthy eating or sleeping habits• Irritability and “acting out” behaviors in teens• Poor school performance or avoiding school• Difficulty with attention and concentration• Avoidance of activities they previously enjoyed• Unexplained headaches or body pain• Use of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs
If you believe a child or teen may be stressed or overwhelmed by the pandemic, the CDC recommends ways to support them, including:
• Taking the time to talk with your child or teen about the COVID-19 outbreak. Additionally, you should answer questions and share facts about COVID-19 in a way that your child or teen can understand.
• Reassuring them that they are safe. Let them know it is alright if they feel upset. Share with them how you deal with your own stress so that they can learn how to cope from you.
• Limit your family’s exposure to news coverage of the event, including social media. Children may misinterpret what they hear and can be frightened about something they do not understand.
• Trying to keep up with regular routines. If schools are closed, create a schedule for learning activities and relaxing or fun activities.
• Be a role model. How? According to the CDC, by taking breaks, getting plenty of sleep, exercising, and eating well. Remember to connect with friends and family members.
As health care providers, we are on the front lines of this pandemic. As a result, we may be asked to support others during this traumatic period. We need to be aware of our own limitations and take measures to reduce the risk of secondary traumatic stress reactions. Some of the things that we can do to manage our own mental health in the workplace include:
• Recognize the signs of physical and mental exhaustion and take a break whenever these begin to occur.
• Limit working time to no more than 12 hours per day. Limit your days to no more than three per week if you're working 12 hour shifts.
• Be sure to incorporate time with friends, family, exercising, and breaktime into the work week.
• Ask for help if you're having trouble dealing with the psychological effects of the coronavirus outbreak.
• Understand that it is OK to take a break when feeling stress and that it is not unusual to experience stress during difficult times such as these.
For reliable information about the virus outbreak consult the Centers for Disease Control website at www.cdc.gov/covid19.
Additional resources for individuals with mental health conditions or substance abuse problems can be found on the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website at www.samhsa.gov/disaster-preparedness.
Additional resources for health care professionals to monitor for secondary traumatic stress reactions can be found on the CDC website at www.emergency.cdc.gov/coping/responders.ASP.
For some tips on what to do with kids at home during the coronavirus break go to https://www.cpr.org/2020/03/17/what-to-do-with-kids-at-home-on-coronavirus-break-mental-health-for-parents-too/1
Page 10 • Mississippi RN September, October, November 2020
Roderick Green, PMHNP-BC
The issues occurring in 2020 comprise a “new abnormal.” We are dealing with situations that challenge our perception of stability and safety. Regardless of personal, professional, or political beliefs, all of us are feeling the stress of these chaotic times. And coping with the turmoil of this stress increases our risk of developing issues with our mental health.
The COVID-19 pandemic challenges the modern global system as nothing has in the past 100 years: This, along with racial tensions in America, political rhetoric by both major parties and general timorousness related to dealing with the ever changing revelations associated with a novel disease have caused a multitude of stressors.
My name is Roderick Green and I am a board certified Adult Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. My experience in the mental health field has allowed me to get a deep look into the world of addiction and mental health. People are definitely complicated. There is no one evidenced based “cookie cutter” theory that addresses all the complexities of the human condition or the intricacies of human motivation. Of course, we have some understanding of neurobiology, psychology, and the process of stress management; but do we truly consider the effect of constant stress as we attempt to cope with these complicated times?
My goal with this article is to provide some insight into the process of addiction while considering the
This is Not a Normal Year: How Chronic Stress can Increase Vulnerability to Addiction
influence of stress. I also want to provide some tools and communication skills we can use if we or those we are connected to, e.g., friends, family or coworkers start displaying behavior indicative of increased substance use or addiction.
During this perfect storm we need to be aware of certain nuances associated with the disease of addiction. Multiple studies have verified the increased likelihood of illicit drug use or relapse in the midst of a crisis or traumatic event. As bar and restaurant traffic decreased, off premise (retail store) sales of alcohol increased. The Nielsen Corporation, a global marketing research firm, states that off-premise sales of spirits in the U.S. went up 34.1% from last year for the nine-week period ending May 02, 2020. according to Nielsen data, while wine sales went up 30.1% during the same time. Beer sales went up 12.6%.
It is important to stress that I operate from the perspective that addiction is a disease. The neurobiological changes that occur in the brain as a direct result of addiction fit criteria to be defined as a disease. Classifying addiction as a disease does not remove accountability; it prioritizes it. People with certain medical issues must adjust their behavior if they want to maintain optimal health or decrease the chance of a negative outcome: People coping with addiction must also do the same. A person dealing with diabetes must manage their blood sugar properly: A person dealing with addiction must manage their behavior properly. It is common knowledge that medical diseases are not stigmatized the same way we stigmatize issues related to the disease of addiction.
A 2014 study from the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) noted that rates of relapse for substance and alcohol addiction range from approximately 40 to 60 percent. Opiates, crack cocaine and crystal meth tend toward the outer limits of the noted figures and with historical relapse rates of 85%, 86% and 93% respectively.
Relapse rates for type 1 diabetes, per the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), are between 30 and 50 percent. The same institution notes relapse rates for hypertension are between 50 and 70 percent.
Cancer once considered the harbinger of death, now has more life-saving treatments and interventions. When combined with lifestyle adjustments and other behavioral therapies, life expectancy for cancer patients significantly increases. However, cancer remains a chronic disease with prospects for remission, recurrence and relapse.
Drug addiction involves a cycle of intermittent alleviation and worsening of excessive use, substance seeking behavior, binge using, and intentional intoxication despite adverse consequences. The neurobiology of addiction involves the dopaminergic reward circuit and the physical changes in the brain that occur because of the addiction. Imaging studies have revealed neurochemical and functional changes in the brains of drug-addicted subjects that provide insights into the mechanisms underlying addiction. These studies have shown that drastic increases in dopamine are associated with the reinforcing effects of drugs of abuse. Chronic drug abuse can cause permanent changes to the brain circuits involved with reward (nucleus accumbens), motivation (orbitofrontal cortex), memory (amygdala and hippocampus), and cognitive control (prefrontal cortex and cingulate gyrus).
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (the DSM-5) is used as a standard to diagnose mental disorders. It contains descriptions, symptoms, and other criteria for diagnosing mental disorders. It is used to categorize and diagnose issues related to substance use and dependence. The DSM-5 categorizes addiction as substance use disorders.
Regardless of substance, the diagnosis is made by observing a pathological set of behaviors related to
September, October, November 2020 Mississippi RN • Page 11the use of that substance. The behaviors fall into four main categories: impaired control, social impairment, risky use, and the pharmacological indicators--tolerance and withdrawal.
Mental health professionals who work with those coping with addiction issues are well aware of the relationship between stress and relapse. I have worked with several people in recovery. Life does not stop assaulting a person just because they have an issue to deal with. And a change in demeanor does not mean that they have “fallen off the wagon.” We are all in this together and we must be sensitive and sensible in expressing our concerns. If you don’t know the person well enough to ask them directly about what you suspect without coming off as an accuser, you may want to rethink your approach to the situation. Of course, in some situations, especially work-related issues there are avenues in place to express your concerns appropriately. If you don’t know what they are, start with your immediate supervisor. If you feel uncomfortable with that action, your Human Resources department may be your starting point. Remember that our responsibility and loyalty is to the patient first, above all else, above all others.
Functional decline may not look like the classic fall from grace depicted on popular media. Some people can manage to hide behavior related to addiction and substance use for years. During this time of increased stress, we need to be more aware of subtle hints of a “problem.”
For example, if a formerly competent co-worker starts making a lot of “small” mistakes or shows an increased tendency for episodes of disorganized behavior after taking a break, there may be a problem. Usually a decline in grooming and hygiene are not expressed on the job, but if a person you are connected to starts isolating and stops taking care of themselves, there is cause for concern. Depression causes isolation and sometimes in that isolation, substance use increases. Drastic mood shifts out of context to situation are a hallmark of substance use. Remember that any adult should be able to control their emotions in context to the situation. This does not mean lack of emotional expression; it does mean that increases in behavior out of context to the situation is cause for concern. Substance use is not a cheap coping mechanism and although financial issues are a sensitive subject, there may be cause for concern with certain behavior, e.g., constantly asking to borrow money, failure to pay debts, stealing, problems paying bills despite no decrease in cash flow or increase in new financial responsibilities.
Please take into consideration that we live in an era of easy access to information, and uncertainty of its validity. While we consume vast quantities of terrifying news on a daily basis our “primitive” brain is still responding as if we are being pursued by actual lions. It takes effort to step away from the battle and devise a personal strategy to cope with the uncertainty.
The following are three simple rules that I conceptualized to navigate through stressful times.
Rule one: Know yourself. This seems a lot easier than it is. To do this you need to be able to step outside of yourself and process how you deal with stress. If you find yourself drinking more or smoking more or using substances to cope with stress, you may be more affected than you realize. Depression and anxiety can be insidious and before you realize it, your ability to function and process are affected. When you start skipping showers in the morning but looking forward to the calming effects of an evening drink, a problem has formed. Of course, everyone is different. Most health care professionals don’t want to believe that we can be seriously affected by the stress of life. But if you stop and think about it, the COVID era has affected all of us whether we want to accept it or not.
Rule two: Know your non-negotiables. In times of true stress, we prioritize one imaginary bucket (if you’re a refugee leaving a war-torn country, that “bucket” may be real). We put in that “bucket” what we need to survive. A person lost in a barren canyon will value water and food over gold. You must know what is profoundly important to you: You must know how to stay connected to healthy, fulfilling, uplifting relationships. And for clarification you can have a relationship with people, systems, or beliefs.
Rule three: Don’t get hurt. Superficially this seems counterintuitive. How can we not get hurt in a world filled with trials and hardships? To process this, you must understand that you are where you are because of the decisions you made. Some of us focus on regrets and missed opportunities and others are thankful that they persevered despite the odds and obstacles stacked against them. A past afflicted by horrible things beyond your control does not mean that you cannot push through adversity. It does mean that you may have a template for stress release that includes self-sabotaging behavior. Our individual temperaments and personalities are shaped by environment, genetics, and experience. It takes true insight to look in the mirror and ask if you are your worst enemy. One simple thing that you can do is ask yourself if you are doing okay. If the answer is no, something needs to change: The challenge here is to understand that some things that feel good are not actually good for you. With that being said, you may need help figuring out what to change and how to change it. This only works if and when you are actually ready to take consistent action. Addiction is not a character flaw or a sign of weakness, and it takes more than willpower to cope with the problem. Cravings and compulsions manifest because we are wired to avoid pain, and in time of increased stress some of us may be more likely to seek relief through substance use.
For many people struggling with addiction, the toughest step toward recovery is the very first one: recognizing that you have a problem and deciding to make a change. There are several resources in the community that can help you or someone you are connected with to regain control: The challenge may be finding a program that is a good fit. Twelve step programs, community mental health programs, treatment programs, and faith-based programs are all appropriate. Success depends on three things, the readiness of the person, their ability to tolerate the pain of change, and the emotional connection to the change program. I tell my patients who are struggling with behavior related to addiction, that I do not have anything to offer that competes with the immediate satisfaction of your drug of choice. But if you are willing to put in the work and push through the pain, each day will be better than the last one.
Page 12 • Mississippi RN September, October, November 2020
District Spotlight...
Members of MNA District 32 Dawn Peery, left, and Angela Hudson, right, volunteer at the First - Aid tent at Bikes, Blues, and Bayou event held
annually in Greenwood, MS.
Vice President:Carl Mangum, PhD, PMHNP-BC, NHDP-BC .............................. District 13
Secretary:Beverly Oliver, MBA, MSN, FNP-BC, CHFN ................................District 13
Director, Council on Nursing ResearchNo Candidates
Director, Council on Health AffairsAlena Lester, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, ONP-C ............................... District 18
Kristen Long, MSN, RN ................................................................ District 25
Director, Council on Nursing PracticeTonya Harbison, PhD, FNP-BC ...................................................... District 6
Paige Nabors, MSN, RN, FNP-C .................................................. District 25
Director, Council on Advanced PracticeCourtney Bennett, DNP, PMHNP-BC, FNP-BC ............................District 16
Treasurer (to fill remaining one-year term):Gayle Harrell, MSN, FNP, NP-C, CWN ....................................... District 13
Running for Office 2020
Krupa Desai, MS Association of Student Nurses,Director of Communications
As nursing students, we are entrusted to practice social distancing and follow the guidelines established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). With this in mind, we have made the decision to hold the 2020 Annual MASN Convention online. The board is working hard to ensure this year’s convention is just as effective and resourceful as it would be in person. We are honored to host Kathy Batton, a disaster relief nurse with the military, as our keynote speaker. Other topics that will be covered during individual breakout sessions are mental health nursing, human trafficking and sexual abuse, travel nursing, and many more. We look forward to organizing a successful and enjoyable convention.
CONNECT WITH MASN!
@MSSTUDENTNURSES Mississippi Association of Student Nurses
Serving
Mississippifor over
30YEARS
WE NEED YOU!
RNs & LPNs
From the Gulf Coast to Memphis...
Hospital/Facilities/Home Care Staffing
Call 1-800-844-4298Thank you
Prime Care Nurses!
pcnursing.com
For working tirelessly to care for patients.For risking your own health to protect ours.
For always being there when you are needed most.
WE APPRECIATE YOU
September, October, November 2020 Mississippi RN • Page 13
Tearsanee C. Davis, DNP, FNP-BC, FAANP
Pre-COVID-19, there were many opinions regarding Telehealth that ranged from “it’s too much work” to “my patients will not want this.” Concerns about cost, workflows, and the patient experience fueled hesitation in adoption for many providers. There were also other barriers such as geographic restrictions, interstate licensure, malpractice issues, and reimbursement variances. This hesitancy quickly transformed into urgency as COVID-19 concerns drove many healthcare providers to look at ways to serve their patients in a safe, but efficient manner. Even within large medical centers, telehealth adoption soared within a matter of weeks. Many patients were eager to try this new technology as they attempted to adhere to the “shelter in place” orders. While this was not necessarily the way we wanted to expand Telehealth, it has been more than effective. In this issue, the Mississippi Nurses’ Association wanted to highlight the experience of two nurse practitioner business owners and their experience with Telehealth during the Public Health Emergency (PHE) we know as the COVID-19 pandemic.
KC Arnold, ANP, BC-ADM, FAANP owns The Diabetes Center, PLLC in Ocean Springs, Mississippi. It is a practice of three nurse practitioners focused solely on helping people with diabetes. This practice treats individuals age three and up from all over the Mississippi Gulf Coast. They specialize in offering the latest treatments and technology including insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitoring systems.
Mary Williams, DNP, FNP-BC is the owner/operator of Urgent and Primary Care Clinic in Clarksdale, Mississippi. The practice is focused on providing access to care to all who need it in the Mississippi Delta.
These two nurse entrepreneurs were willing to share their experiences with Telehealth as a result of the pandemic with the hopes that others will learn and become more interested in seeing how Telehealth can be used in their practices.
Dr. Williams’s practice is located in the Mississippi Delta and serves all ages for primary and urgent care needs. The payer mix is approximately 60% Medicare/Medicaid, 30% private insurance, and 10% self-pay. Prior to COVID-19, they were not utilizing Telehealth, but were interested in it as a means to provide more access to their services. Dr. Williams shares that educating the patients on the availability of the services was one of the biggest barriers. Cost was not as much of a concern as they opted to use a free, HIPAA compliant application. Her patients have appreciated this addition to their clinic and have shared that the convenience of not having to wait, along with the safety aspects of staying home, have been two of the main benefits. Of course there are those who prefer face-to-face visits, but did enjoy the option to stay in the safety of their homes. “The convenience for the patient, reduced need for extra staff, straightforward visits, and cost effectiveness of Telehealth” are reasons Dr. Williams would advise other practices to consider Telehealth. It is her belief that giving patients a choice is a positive outcome with Telehealth implementation and reimbursement should not be a limiting factor. “Telehealth should be expanded beyond this pandemic.”
Although Arnold’s practice was accustomed to using cutting edge technologies to help their patients, they were not using audiovisual tools, which is what most people consider Telehealth. They mainly used remote monitoring systems for gathering patients’ data that allowed for monitoring and medication adjustments in between clinic visits. Arnold shared “One of the biggest barriers or concerns was choosing the right technology.” Considering what the patients would be able to access easily and maintaining their privacy was priority. After trying Zoom, they decided to upgrade the system they were using for communication with patients and added the telehealth capabilities within the electronic health record. This allowed patients to connect with ease by clicking a link sent to them via text to start their visit. This option did come with a monthly fee per provider, but was an affordable option for their clinic. At times, patients did not have access to an internet capable device. Often, they were able to get assistance from a friend or a relative. There were also some issues with patients not being able to get lab work done prior to the visits due to COVID-19 restrictions. Although the use of Telehealth has been relatively low at The Diabetes Center, PLLC, they have been able to remain open throughout the PHE by following the recommendations from the Mississippi Department of Health. “So many of our patients are on insulin and have multiple medication and technical needs. We worked really hard to offer their visits in person or through Telehealth. The patient can choose the option that is best for their situation.”
Urgent & Primary Care Clarksdale125 Highway 322Clarksdale, MS 39614(662) 351-1970www.upcofclarksdale.com
The Diabetes Center, PLLC1278 Ocean Springs RoadOcean Springs, MS 39564(228) 875-3606www.kcdiabetes.com
Telehealth: Providing Options in Crisis
to the Provider Unit Committee and the Convention Planning Committee members for their dedication in planning a great 2020 Annual Convention!
Provider Unit Committee Director, Council on Education:
Tomekia Luckett, PhD, RN
Chairpersons: Marilyn Ellis, MSN, ANP-BC
Deloris Slade, DNP, RN, FNP-BC
Members: Amber Arnold, DNP, RN
Mary Helen Connor, BSN, MPH, MCHES
Becky Dorough, MSN, RN, FNP-BC Anne Everett, PhD, RN
Robbie Jones, MSN, NP-C, ADM-BC Bettye Logan, MSN, RN, CFNP
Lora Jenkins-Lonidier, DNP, RN, ACNP-BC, FNP-BC, CCRN
Cynthia Luther, PhD, AGNP, FNP Tammie McCoy, PhD, RN Mary McNair, PhD, RN
LaDonna Northington, DNS, RN, BC
Convention Planning Committee Director, Council on Organizational Affairs:
Sandra “Sandi” Arnold, MSN, RN
Chairperson: Teresa Stanford, DNP, RN, FNP
Members: Michelle Atkinson, DNP, RN
Bess Blackwell, MSN, RN Sandra Coleman, RN
Mary Crump, DrPh, MPH, MSN, RNBecky Dorough, MSN, RN, FNP-BC
Anne Everett, PhD, RN Teresa Hamill, DNP, FNP-BC
Sarah Howell, MSN, RN Alicia Ishee, BSN
Alice Messer, DNP, RN, FNP-BC
Page 14 • Mississippi RN September, October, November 2020
Mississippi Nurses Foundation
XF146
Congratulations to Amanda Criswell and Melissa Klamm!
They are the 2020 recipients of the Mississippi Nurses Foundation’s PhD Research Grant. Criswell and Klamm, both students at the
University of Mississippi Medical Center, and members of the Mississippi Nurses Association,
will receive funding towards their research study. We are excited to offer this opportunity to
two exceptional students.
NursingALD.com can point you right to that perfect NURSING JOB!
NursingALD.com
E-mailed Job Leads
Easy to Use
Privacy Assured
Free to Nurses
September, October, November 2020 Mississippi RN • Page 15
Georgia B. Hall Award of Excellence $500Submission deadline is November 13, 2020Open date - September 1st
Hiawatha and Eunice Northington Memorial Scholarship $1,000Submission deadline is November 20, 2020Open date - October 1st
Arthur L. Davis Scholarly Writing $1,000Submission deadline is December 4, 2020Open date - October 1st
Brantley-Fletcher Award of Hope Book Scholarship $250Submission deadline is December 11, 2020Open date - October 1st Nurse Oneita Dongieux Scholarship $500Submission deadline is February 5, 2021Open date - December 1st
Betty Dickson Health Policy Scholarship up to $2,000Submission deadline is February 5, 2021Open date - December 1st
Mississippi Nurses Foundation
The Mississippi Nurses Foundation Coffee Club was started in April 2009 with the support of Dr. Kim Hoover, with her donation for MNF daily operations. The coffee club recognizes individuals who donate between $300- $5,000 or more to the Foundation.You can join today with a monthly donation of $25.00 to the Nurses Foundation. Please select your level of support for membership into the Mississippi Nurses Foundation Coffee Club. Bank draft and credit card monthly donations will automatically renew every 12 months unless notified by the donor.
_______ Espresso Level$4,000 to $5,000----Two packages of MNF signature coffee and two coffee mugs, four tickets to all upcoming events sponsored by the Foundation, Recognition on MNF’s website, newsletter, recognition at the Mississippi Nurses Association Annual Convention and a 4” X 8” engraved brick in the Mary E. Stainton Center for Nursing Garden.
_______ Cappuccino Level$2,000 to $3,999----Two packages of MNF signature coffee and two coffee mugs, two tickets to all upcoming events sponsored by the Foundation, Recognition on MNF’s website, newsletter and recognition at the Mississippi Nurses Association Annual Convention.
_______ Mocha Level$500 to $1,999-----One package of MNF signature coffee and coffee mug, two tickets to one of MNF’s sponsored events, Recognition on MNF’s website, newsletter and recognition at the Mississippi Nurses Association Annual Convention.
_______ Coffee Level$300 to $499 -----One package of MNF signature coffee and coffee mug, a ticket to one of MNF’s sponsored events, recognition on MNF’s website, newsletter, and recognition at the Mississippi Nurses Association Annual Convention.
_______ No, I cannot join the Coffee Club but I will give a donation to support the MS Nurses Foundation.
( ) $25 ( ) $50 ( ) $75 ( ) $100( ) $150 ( ) $200 ( ) $250
Name (Please print) _________________________________
Address _________________________________________
City ____________________________________________
State ________ Zip ________________
Phone: Home ______________ Cell __________________
Email address _____________________________________
Method of Payment
Credit Card # ______________________________________
Exp. Date _____________ 3 digit code/ back of card ______
Amount ________
( ) Amex ( ) MasterCard ( ) Visa
( ) Bank Draft 1st or 15th (circle one) Amount per month ____ Month to start _________________ Send a voided check to the MS Nurses Foundation
( ) One time payment for yearly membership _____________ Please include check or money order and mail it to the MS Nurses Foundation
( ) DONATE ONLINE at www.msnursesfoundation.com
Your tax deductible donation to the Coffee Club will help support the Nurses Foundation in its daily operations of carrying out its mission of raising, accepting and dispersing charitable donations to promote professional nursing and better health in Mississippi. Sponsored events exclude the Nightingale Awards Gala.
Mississippi Nurses Foundation 31 Woodgreen Place • Madison, MS 39110
Phone: (601) 898-0850 Fax: (601) 898-0190
Coffee Club Application
The Mississippi Nurses Foundation Scholarships and Stipends for 2020/2021
Please visit www.msnursesfoundation.com or call (601) 898-0850 for additional information.
Martha Douglas Memorial Scholarship $1,000Submission deadline is February 12, 2021Open date - December 1st
MNF School of Nursing Scholarship $1,000Submission deadline is March 12, 2021 – Contact your School of Nursing Open date - January 1st
Car Tag Stipends $5,000Submission deadline is June 11, 2021Open date - April 1st
Eileen S. & Earl C. Whittemore Advance Practice/Nurse Practitioner Scholarship $2,500Submission deadline is July 9, 2021Open date - May 1st
MS Nurses Foundation PhD Research Grants up to $10,000Submission deadline is July 9, 2021Open date - May 1st
