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Inside this issue . . . .President’s Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Executive Director’s Message . . . . . . 3

An Ocean of Opportunity . . . . . . . . . 4

LSNA News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Nightingale Awards . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Continuing Nursing Education . . . . . 8

LSNA Wants You! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Health Policy Chairman Update . . . . 9

Ann Cary Named Director . . . . . . . . 9

Should I Stay Or Do I Go Now . . . . .10

Who’s Being Sued . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Nursing Story . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

NODNA Times . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

District News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

An Ocean of OpportunityPage 4

Vol. 64 • No. 4 December 2008

Circulation 66,000 to all Registered & Licensed Practical Nurses in Louisiana

THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE LOUISIANA STATE NURSES ASSOCIATION

Inside

Nightingale AwardsGala Saturday,

January 31, 2009Page 7

Peter Buerhaus is the Valere Potter Professor of Nursing at Vanderbilt School of Nursing and Director of the Center for Interdisciplinary Health Workforce Studies at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. He maintains an active research program involving studies on employment and earnings of nursing personnel, implications of an aging RN workforce, nurse staffing and quality of patient care, and health professionals and public opinion of issues affecting delivery of health care. His topic will be “Nursing’s Future: Aligning the Interest of Education, Practice and Policy.”

The Summit will be held March 20, 2009 at the Marriott Hotel in Baton Rouge. More information and a registration form can be found on page 12.

Call for Poster Presentations

See Page 5

Who’s Being Sued for Patient Injury: It’s Not Just the Physician

Page 11

Nursing’s Future in Louisiana: 2009 Summit of Nursing Educators, Nursing

Employers and Nursing Regulators

Keynote Speaker: Peter L. BuerhausPhD, RN, FAAN

• Page 2 • Pelican News december 2008, January, February 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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . KIM BRANNAGANFeliciana. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 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, ccairo@lsna.orgPAIGE ASAY office manager, 225-201-0993CONTINUING EDUCATION, 225-201-0995, continuinged@lsna.orgOffice Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.225-201-0993Fax 225-201-0971lsna@lsna.org

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 AGENCY, P.O. BOX 216, CEDAR FALLS, IOWA 50613, 319-277-2414. THE LOUISIANA STATE NURSES ASSOCIATION AND THE ARTHUR L. DAVIS AGENCY 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.

“Change does not change tradition. It strengthens it. Change is a challenge and an opportunity; not a threat.” —Prince Phillip of England

Colleagues: The purpose of my message in this edition of the LSNA Pelican News is to share with you the status of some strategic planning activities on the part of your Board of Directors. We participated in two one-day sessions facilitated by Liz Mangham, Managing Partner of Southern Strategy Group. Her background and experience in association management was just what we needed to help us generate a S. W. O. T. (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) analysis of LSNA and begin the development of a strategic plan. Two important outcomes of our strategic planning are the formulation of new mission and vision statements for consideration by the LSNA membership. The proposed statements are found in another section of this edition, and adoption of this new language will require a by-laws change at the 2009 House of Delegates.

At the October 11, 2008 LSNA Board of Directors meeting, we took the four goals from our strategic plan, and assigned them to Board member workgroups. Each of the groups is to have a report completed and in to the LSNA office for distribution by January 5, 2009. A Board meeting is set for January 10 to review their work and establish what further action might be needed. Below are the workgroups and the charge associated with their particular goal. The workgroup leader is designated by the bolded font.

1. To establish a succession plan for LSNA management—‚Patricia La Brosse (lahasky@aol.com), Denise Danna & Joe Ann Clark

Charge: Explore issues related to personnel, benefits, and salaries. Identify options for use of management consultants.

2. To expand LSNA's funding base to sustain current operations and identify potential financial growth opportunities—Barbara Moffett (bmoffett@selu.edu), Keeley Dupuy, Evelyn Wills, & Cynthia Prestholdt

Charge: Analyze current operations including recruitment and retention of members; explore marketing programs; research and apply for grant opportunities; explore resource and entrepreneurial partnerships; and explore grassroots membership efforts.

3. To become an active partner in health care redesign—Lisa Deaton (larmas@aol.com), Ramona Guin, Joni Nickens & Melissa Stewart

Charge: Identify and inventory resources within membership; advocate for nursing representation on commissions, boards, etc.; and participate on every level including regulatory, executive and legislative

4. To restructure in-state governance of LSNA—Norlyn Hyde (nhyde@latech.edu), Patricia La Brosse, Denise Danna, Gordon Natal, Joe Ann Clark, Maxine Johnson, & LSNA District Presidents

Charge: Consider a decrease in number of LSNA standing committees and implement a taskforce model—specific duties, time-limited, and dissolve when work is complete; update bylaws where needed and move changes through the approval/

LSNA President’s Message

Patricia La Brosse

cont. on pg. 3

December 2008, January, February 2009 Pelican News • Page 3 •

adoption process; and consider redesign of current district model.

Recently LSNA sent out a survey seeking membership responses to questions related to mission, vision, structure, and governance. While we did not receive input from every member, there was enough information received to let us know that we need to carefully and thoughtfully examine our current systems and processes. We want to determine what, if any, changes might be needed as we prepare for the work of our 2009 House of Delegates, and for the election of new LSNA leadership for 2009-2011.

I would encourage you to take some time to thoughtfully consider the four goals and the associated charges for each workgroup. Please refer to our current mission, vision, goals, and by-laws which can be found on our website: www.lsna.org as you examine the strategic plan. If you have comments and/or suggestions, please send them to the email address following the workgroup leader’s name. Your input is valued, and the more we hear from you the better we can formulate future action. We are planning a series of conference calls with LSNA District Presidents to begin preparation for the 2009 House of Delegates, and we will use these opportunities to communicate the status of this process.

This is also the time to begin thinking about resolutions your district might wish to present to the House of Delegates for consideration and possible adoption, as well as possible by-law revision(s). The processes for both of these activities will be addressed during our conference calls with LSNA District Presidents. This is an opportunity for LSNA members to voice your ideas regarding how we attend to the business of our organization, and to also guide the activities of the new officers you elect in 2009.

Change is inherent in healthcare. In fact, whether desired or not, change is often the only constant associated with healthcare. Nursing associations must be responsive to change, and sometimes initiate it ourselves, if we are to successfully meet the challenges of today’s profession and the industry in which we practice that profession. Please feel free to contact me if you have questions regarding this process—I would love to hear from you.

Joe Ann Clark, EdD, RN

This message is in response to the criticisms of ANA that I have heard in relation to their endorsement of the Democratic candidate for President. This criticism is not new. During every election we have heard from people who were unhappy about the endorsements. First, they do not like it because ANA endorses any candidate at the state and local level and because of the specific candidates they have endorsed. With that in mind, I felt the need to find out as much as possible about the ANA endorsement process. After a review of the ANA Governmental Services Website, I spoke with Doreen Hood, Sr. Administrative Assistant, Government Affairs Department of the American Nurses Association. The following information is a summary of a document prepared by Ms. Hood entitled “ANA-PAC Presidential Endorsement Process” and information from the website.

The American Nurses Association (ANA) has endorsed a candidate in each presidential election since 1984. In 1985, a resolution was passed by the ANA House of Delegates directing the association to “engage presidential contenders of all parties in endorsement considerations. Candidates are to be considered based solely on who will best serve the interests of the nursing profession and their patients. Political parties or personal agendas will not matter in the process. No political support will be offered by ANA without thoughtful analysis of a candidate’s past record and views on nursing.” The endorsement process is as follows:

Step 1.The American Nurses Association Political Action

Committee (ANA-PAC) and its Board of Trustees are responsible for overseeing the presidential endorsement effort. For the 2008 general election, four members of the ANA-PAC Board were chosen to help lead the endorsement process by serving as the PAC’s Presidential Endorsement Task Force.

Step 2. The ANA-PAC Board and the Presidential Endorsement

Task Force work with ANA Government Affairs staff to undertake the necessary steps that will result in an endorsement decision. Such actions include:

• Examiningthevotingrecords,totheextentpossible,of all announced candidates in relation to ANA’s legislative agenda

• Drafting a questionnaire to gauge the level of eachcandidate’s support for ANA’s core policy issues (can be seen on the ANA web site.) The questionnaire was submitted to each of the presidential candidates.

• PollingindividualConstituentMemberAssociations(state nursing associations) and ANA members for their preferred candidates (all members had an opportunity to vote on the ANA web site)

• Conducting interviews with viable presidentialcandidates.

After completion of the above steps,

Step 3. The ANA-PAC Board reviews the information and

determines which candidate to endorse. This endorsement recommendation is then presented to ANA’s Board of Directors for ratification.

In summary, the endorsement process:• Isbasedonthecandidate’spoliciesrelatedtonursing

and health care issues.• Providesanopportunityforinputfromallcandidates

who choose to respond to the ANA questionnaires and requests for interviews. I asked Ms. Hood about response from the presidential candidates. She told me that questionnaires were sent to all of the candidates, but “as of this date” no response has been received from the Republican candidate.

• Provides an opportunity for input from individualmembers and the CMAs (state organizations). I could find no information as to how many nurses and state organizations had taken advantage of the opportunity and provided input about their preferences

It is my hope that this information will promote better understanding of the ANA endorsement process. ANA makes a real effort to make endorsement decisions based on the candidate’s views about nursing and health care and to assure that the process is as inclusive as possible. If you want more information, go to the ANA website at www.nursingworld.org and click on government relations. There is much “good stuff” there.

I realize that this article will not change any one’s mind about ANA’s decision to endorse political candidates but hopefully it will provide an awareness of the process and will encourage LSNA’s members participation in future elections.

Message from the Executive Director

Joe Ann Clark

President’s Message from pg. 2

• Page 4 • Pelican News december 2008, January, February 2009

The 54th Annual State Convention for the Louisiana Association of Student Nurses was held October 16-19 in Alexandria, Louisiana. Students from nursing programs around the state were active participants throughout the meeting which provided multiple opportunities for both students and faculty to network. On Thursday, October 16, interviews for various LASN-sponsored scholarships were conducted. That evening, the Council of Student Leaders session provided a forum for students to dialogue with peers regarding issues ranging from member recruitment activities to community service projects to national conventions to state officer responsibilities.

On Friday, October 17 the exhibit hall was opened with participation from some 37 exhibitors, including the Louisiana State Nurses Association which was a visual and physical presence during the entire convention. Throughout that day focus sessions were conducted with content that included “Test-Taking Skills,” community health nursing, pediatric nursing, “Men in Nursing,” legal documentation, women’s health, and holistic nursing. The Faculty Luncheon included a presentation by Donita Qualey, MN, RN, Coordinator of Grants, Continuing Education and Distance Learning at Charity School of Nursing Delgado. Following the opening session of the House of Delegates, Ms. Sue Delaune, MSN, RN, delivered the opening keynote emphasizing personal self-care. That evening the opening night celebration was a luau theme, with attendance by students and faculty alike.

Saturday, October 18 brought another day with exhibitors, the final House of Delegates session, and more focus sessions that included “Pharmacology Made Insanely Easy,” travel nursing, fluid and electrolytes review, preparation for graduate school, forensic nursing, a panel representing nursing in the military, a panel on wound care, dialysis, and oncology, and a presentation entitled “Teens Not Gone Wild.” A special presentation by the President of the Louisiana State Nurses Association, Patricia La Brosse, provided a forum for students to learn more about the activities and initiatives of LSNA/ANA, and of membership benefits. Later that evening the Annual Awards Banquet was held which included a review of the

“An Ocean of Opportunity”

Future LSNA members from Our Lady of the Lake College of Nursing. Standing on L side of exhibit: Kristy LeBlanc. Standing on R side of exhibit: Shameka Lewis. Kneeling below exhibit: L to R Brittany Cuvillier, Lisa Neal, and Trish Irwin.

L to R Patricia La Brosse, LSNA President and Keeley Dupuy, LSNA Membership Chairperson at Faculty Luncheon.

previous year and installation of the 2008-2009 Board of Directors.

Sponsors for this year include LSUHSC School of Nursing which hosted the opening night celebration, Hurst Review Services who provided the convention bags and an NCLEX Review on Sunday, October 19, and Ochsner Health System which hosted the faculty luncheon. Platinum sponsors include: Willis Knighton Health systems; New Orleans District Nurses Association; and San Jacinto Methodist Hospital. The Silver Sponsor was the Baton Rouge District Nurses Association; and Bronze Sponsors were Christus St. Frances Cabrini and Lakeland Regional Medical Center.

L to R Keeley Dupuy and Carla Harmon, Faculty Advisors from Our Lady of the Lake College of Nursing (attending faculty luncheon).

Left to right: Darla Webre-LASN Consultant to LASN; Victoria Johnson-LASN President; Patricia La Brosse-LSNA President; Grant Taylor-NSNA Director.

December 2008, January, February 2009 Pelican News • Page 5 •

Call for Nominations2009 LSNA House of

DelegatesThe following positions on the LSNA Board of

Directors are up for reelection. They are:President–Elect (2 yr. term)Vice-president (2 yr. term)

Secretary (2 yr. term)Treasurer (2 yr. term)

Elections will be held for the following Committee Chairs

Workplace Advocacy (4 yr. term)Leadership/Management (4 yr. term)

Elections will be held for the following Committees— the member receiving the most votes will serve as chair.

Nominating Committee (2 yr. terms)Audit Committee (2 yr. terms)

Nominations for ANA Delegates will be taken from the floor!

If you are interested in running for one of these positions or if you have questions, please contact Peggy Bourgeois (LSNA Nominating Committee Chair) at peggyboo1@ccox.net or the LSNA office at lsna@lsna.org or call 225-201-0993. For information about the responsibility of each of the positions, consult the LSNA Bylaws at www.lsna.org or call the LSNA office.

Louisiana Revised Stature 37:914 (C) (1) (b) requires the Louisiana State Nurses Association to submit names of qualified applicants for each Louisiana State Board of Nursing vacancy. The Governor then selects one person for appointment.

Louisiana Revised Statutes 37:916 A (1-4) state the qualifications for each member of the LSBN:

1) Be a citizen of the United States and a resident of Louisiana for one year immediately prior to appointment.

2) Hold a current, unencumbered, unrestricted Louisiana license to practice as a Registered Nurse.

3) Have had three years experience in respective field of practice (nursing service administration for Nursing Administrator position, nursing education for Nursing Educator position, licensed and practicing as an advanced practice nurse for the Advanced Practice position, or other areas of nursing practice for Other Areas of Nursing Practice position).

4) Be actively engaged in the practice of nursing as a Registered Nurse at the time of appointment.

Louisiana State Board of NursingCall for Applications

ForPositions on the Louisiana State Board of Nursing

For a nominee to be considered, all required documents must be received in the LSNA office by Thursday, January 15, 2009. All applicants will be interviewed by the Louisiana State Nurses Association Board of Directors at a time to be determined. Applications/Consent to Serve Forms are available on the LSNA website www.lsna.org or from the LSNA office. The following positions are to be considered.

Position for Nursing EducatorThe term of the following member of the Louisiana

State Board of Nursing will expire December 31, 2008:Gail M. Poirrier, RN, DNS who serves in a position dedicated to Nursing Education area of nursing practice as set forth in La. R.S. 7:914(C)(1)(a). Dr. Poirrier is eligible for reappointment to a second term.

Position for Nurse AdministratorDue to the resignation of Gerald Bryant from

the LSBN, one position for ‘Nurse Administrator’ is vacant.

A. IntroductionB. Conceptual grounding of the study (if used)C. Significance to Nursing and/or Health careD. Question, hypothesis (if a research project)E. Objectives of the study or projectF. Methods used in the study or projectG. Population or Sample studied or were the focus of the effortH. Description of the effortI. OutcomesJ. Discussion and implications

• Page 6 • Pelican News december 2008, January, February 2009

2009 LSNA House of Delegates Proposed Revisions

Delegates to the 2009 LSNA House of Delegates will be asked to approve revisions in the LSNA Mission and Vision Statements and in the LSNA Goals. The proposed changes were made by the LSNA Board of Directors in a series of strategic planning meetings.

According to the 2007 edition of the LSNA Bylaws any changes must be published at least 30 days prior to voting. The following content will provide the current version of the LSNA Mission and Vision Statements and LSNA Goals and each will be followed by the proposed changes.

2007 LSNA Mission Statement“To provide leadership that promotes the profession and fosters the means to improve health care for all people.”

2007 Vision Statement

“To serve as a voice for the profession of nursing in Louisiana.”

2007 LSNA Goals1. To be recognized as the leader of professional

nursing in Louisianaa. To promote leadership development in nursesb. To represent nurses to professionals,

governmental representatives, and the public community

c. To facilitate partnerships to afford such activitiesd. To serve as a clearinghouse for health care

information relevant to nursing practicee. To develop position statements relative to health

care issues to assist nurses and the public understanding of the issues

2. To serve as a catalyst and promote the professiona. To increase membership in the Louisiana State

Nurses Associationb. To increase communication with specialty

organizations in nursingc. To inform nurses of the organization, its

functions and its benefits and current interestsd. To nurture supportive peer relationshipse. To expand revenue base to facilitate

communication mechanisms and activities3. To influence the development of health care policy

a. To influence the legislative process as it affects the healthcare system, programs and organizations

b. To develop economical support for these activities

c. To support nurses serving in decision-making positions

d. To function as a proactive organization in governmental relations

e. To promote the role of professional nursing in health care policy and procedures

4. To promote the role and image of professional nursing in the health care environmenta. To promote a positive image of nursingb. To collaborate with other specialty and health

care organizationsc. To form partnerships to finance such activitiesd. To promote the economic value of nursing

services in the health care arenae. To facilitate the education and professional

development of nurses in Louisiana

Proposed Mission Statement Change“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.”

Proposed Vision Statement Change“Be a respected voice for registered nurses and recognized as a relevant partner in health care delivery.”

Proposed Changes to LSNA Goals1. Establish a succession plan for LSNA.2. Expand LSNA’s funding base to sustain current

operations and identify potential financial growth opportunities.

3. Become an active partner in health care redesign4. Restructure local governance of LSNA (in-state).

The Overton Brooks VA Medical Center in Shreveport, Louisiana is launching a Medical Foster Home Program (MFH). The Medical Foster Home (MFH) 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 becoming a caregiver in the Shreveport/Bossier area, please contact the MFH Coordinator, Vicki Rachal, at 318-990-4756 or 1800-863-7441, ext. 4756.

December 2008, January, February 2009 Pelican News • Page 7 •

2009 Nightingale Awards Saturday, January 31, 2009

Baton Rouge MarriottTicket/Reservation Form

INDIVIDUAL TICKETS

Cost: $55.00/ticket

Number of Tickets Requested: __________________Amount Due ($55/ticket): ______________________

TABLE TICKETS

$500.00/table TABLES SEAT TEN (10)

Total number of Tables ($500/Table—Tables of 10): ____________________Total amount due: ____________________________

Name: ______________________________________

Address: ____________________________________

City/State/Zip: _______________________________

Telephone: __________________________________

E-mail: _____________________________________

Name/Organization: __________________________

Address: ____________________________________

City/State/Zip: _______________________________

Telephone: __________________________________

E-mail: _____________________________________

Contact Name (if organization): _________________

Payment Method_____ Check enclosed—payable to Louisiana Nurses Foundation (LNF)

_____ MasterCard _____ Visa _____ Am. Express

Card # ___________________________ Exp. Date _________________ Signature _________________________

Additional Information:• TheNightingaleAwardsGalawillbeonSaturday,January31,2009attheBatonRougeMarriott.Ourwebsite

has hotel information on the Nightingale ticket flyer• Pleasemail,fax,orphonereservationsto: Louisiana State Nurses Association Phone: 225-201-0993 or 1-800-457-6378 5713 Superior Drive, Suite A-6 Fax: 225-201-0971 Baton Rouge, LA 70816 E-mail: lsna@lsna.org• REMEMBER!Ifyoudecidetomailreservationsinpleasemakesurethereisplentyoftimeforustoreceive

your form. It is suggested that you do not mail past Monday, January 19, 2009. After that, please fax or phone your reservations in.

• Reserved table placements will be by date received. There will be table with open seating for individual tickets.

Office Use: Payment received _____

Total number of seats_____ Payment processed_____

Total number of Tables_____ Date________________

• Page 8 • Pelican News december 2008, January, February 2009

Submitted by Nancy Darland, RNC, MSN, CNSLSNA CE Committee Co-Chair for Provider

Applications

Are you a registered nurse and a member of LSNA/ANA?Do you have a desire to serve your profession?Do you have an interest in continuing nursing education?Would you like to stay up to date on the latest continuing

nursing education standards from ANCC-COA?

If you answered yes to any of the above questions, an opportunity awaits you as a volunteer reviewer on the LSNA continuing education committee. LSNA is in need of more nurses to serve as reviewers of proposed continuing nursing education activities and provider applications. An orientation and training session will be held for interested parties willing to serve their professional organization in this capacity. New volunteers will be mentored by seasoned committee members. The committee generally meets once a year, face to face, or by conference call. Applications for review are sent by mail. Reviews are returned by regular mail or by e-mail.

The rapidly developing changes that occur in our society demand that nurses participate in life-long learning. Although such learning is a personal responsibility, the professional organization has a leading role in assuring that systems are in place for such learning to occur. In order to ensure that the finest health care for patients and clients is a priority, life-long learning education activities must meet established standards.

The Louisiana State Nurses Association operates

an approval program for nursing continuing education. The Continuing Education Committee–Approver Unit is a Member Services Committee of LSNA. All structural units of LSNA are accountable to membership through the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors following the biennial convention appoints all committees, including the Continuing Education Committee. Each Member Services Committee establishes and updates guidelines, policies and procedures related to the committee’s responsibilities.

The criteria/standards accepted and used by the Louisiana State Nurses Association (LSNA) approval unit, Continuing Education Committee, are those established by the American Nurses Credentialing Center Commission on Accreditation (ANCC-COA) which are based on the Scope and Standards of Practice for Nursing Professional Development. All LSNA Continuing Education Committee policies and procedures were developed in accord with the ANCC-COA criteria and Operational Requirements. LSNA approval of continuing education activities and providers is based on evidence of the activity or provider meeting the respective ANCC-COA criteria and operational requirements.

For your reference, the criteria can be found on the LSNA website. Please consider serving your profession in this capacity. Contact the LSNA office to let them know that you are interested.

Wanted: CE ConsultantsThe LSNA Continuing Education Committee receives

applications for Single Activity Providers and for CE Approver status. It is their responsibility to review each application to assure it meets criteria established by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission (ANCC) on accreditation. Before granting approval, the applications are reviewed by 3 reviewers for the Provider applications and two reviewers for the Single Activity programs. Most of the time, when applications do not fully meet the ANCC criteria, the application writers are able to revise the application based on suggestions provided by the reviewers. However, in some instances the application writers require more guidance that can feasibly be provided by the reviewer and in those circumstances, the reviewers usually suggest that the applicants seek the assistance of a consultant.

LSNA would like to provide names of consultants for the approval process. If you have the experience and expertise to serve in the role of consultant for applicants who are in need of guidance in writing CE program applications which in accordance with ANCC criteria, please contact the LSNA office at 225-201-0992 or email to jaclark@lsna.org.

CONTINUING NURSING EDUCATIONOR NER

LSNA Wants You!

December 2008, January, February 2009 Pelican News • Page 9 •

On September 24, 2008 I had the privilege of representing LSNA at the Ninth Annual ANA/CMA Lobbyist Meeting in Washington D. C. There were 38 representatives from 28 state associations. The meeting started off on Wednesday evening with ANA giving a brief update on their legislative activity, which included:

• Safe Staffing Saves Lives Campaign—http://www.safestaffingsaveslives.org. They continue to advocate for federal legislation H.R. 4138 and S 73, the RN Safe Staffing Act, which would hold hospitals accountable for the development of valid, reliable unit-by-unit nurse staffing plans. These plans would be developed in coordination with direct care RNs and based on each unit’s unique characteristics and needs. The bill also provides for public reporting of staffing information, includes whistle-blower protections for RNs and others who may file a complaint regarding unsafe staffing.

• APRN Recognition/Protections—reduced restrictions and barriers to APRN practice as evidenced by patient choice and improved access; with fair and appropriate reimbursement for services provided. ANA continues to monitor legislative attacks on APRN practice at the state level and provide CMA support for action. A number of federal initiatives affecting APRNs are being pursued by ANA: recognition of qualified APRNs as PCPs in CMS demonstration medical home projects ability to e-prescribe; certify home health care; and amend Medicaid law to:

• Includedirectpaymentforservicesprovidedbyall nurse practitioners (NPs) and clinical nurse specialists (CNSs).

• RecognizeallNPsandCNMsasprimarycarecase managers.

• Require Medicaid managed care panels toinclude APRNs

• School Nurse—support for a qualified school nurse in every school. ANA monitors state school health legislation and routinely meets with the National Association of School Nurses to discuss trends and strategize. ANA has assisted states in addressing attempts to enact legislation authorizing non nurses to administer medications such as insulin and asthma medications.

• ANA’s Nationwide State Legislative Agenda

• Elimination of Mercury in the Health CareSetting

• ProhibitionofMandatoryOvertime

• NursingEducation

• NursingQualityIndicators

• NurseStaffingPlans/Ratios

• NursingWorkforceDataCollection

• SafePatientHandlingandMovement

• Title“Nurse”Protection

• WhistleblowerProtections

• WorkplaceViolence

Thursday morning the states shared issues that they had been or were currently working on. The following issues

Health Policy Chairman Update:were those that were common among many of the states present:

• APRN/NPpracticesuchasremovalofsupervision,collaborative agreement, expansion of prescriptive authority, along with ability to provide primary care in retail clinics

• Lossorpotentiallossoffundingforhealthcare

• Nursingworkforce—safestaffing

• Nursing education—funding for generic nursingstudents, increase nursing faculty and salaries, and funding for education advancement of faculty

• Legislation“BSNintenyears”

• Schoolnurse-to-studentratios

As your new Health Policy Chairman I spent time networking with representatives from the other states inquiring about their association’s involvement with legislation in their states. Of course they indicated they monitor legislation as we do to ensure there is none that will negatively impact on nursing or nursing issues, but a number of them also indicated they are very proactive and involved with the introduction of legislation relative to healthcare including environmental issues in their states. I left the conference very enthusiastic about the impact nursing is making throughout the states. I would like to reach out to each of you to contact me if there are issues that you feel the Health Policy Committee and LSNA Board should review for consideration as possible legislative action. You can contact me at 225-261-4318 or larmas1@aol.com.

Thank you—Lisa Deaton, BSN, RN, Health Policy Chairman

Dr. Ann Cary has been selected as the new director of the school of nursing for Loyola University New Orleans.

Cary comes to Loyola from the University of Massachusetts Amherst where she served as associate dean of academic affairs at the school of nursing, director of the master of public health distance learning program at the school of public health and health sciences, director of the dual degree program for master of science in nursing and master of public health, director of distance learning programs and coordinator for the public health nursing track of the doctor of nursing practice (DNP) program. She has recently been selected as a Robert Wood Johnson Executive Nurse Fellow for 2008-2011 and appears in Who’s Who publications.

Cary has been in the public health field for 30 years. In addition to her roles at Amherst, Cary has also served as a project director of the home health administration and case management graduate programs at The Catholic University of America in Washington, DC; Associate Dean for LSU Health Sciences Center, School of Nursing; coordinator of the Ph.D. program in nursing at George Mason University;

Ann Cary Named Director and Professor for the School of Nursing

and, Director of the Institute for Research, Education and Consultation at the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Dr. Cary currently co-chairs the National Nursing Advisory Committee to the Public Health Training Centers. Her public health service experience has been as a federal grant reviewer, researcher in a credentialing organization and a clinical provider in public health.

Cary has contributed to more than 70 publications in the field of public health, nursing, policy, ethics, leadership and credentialing. She also serves in leadership positions with several national nursing and interdisciplinary professional organizations. She was selected as a Public Health Service Primary Care Policy Fellow in Washington DC. Her research interests and practice include health promotion for healthy parenting, credentialing, and public health & policy education.

Cary earned a bachelor of science degree in nursing from LSU’s School of Nursing in New Orleans, a master of public health degree from Tulane University and a Ph.D. from The Catholic University of America. She holds a certificate in Leadership from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.

Dr. Ann Cary

• Page 10 • Pelican News december 2008, January, February 2009

by: Susanne Gaddis, PhD, CSP,Elizabeth Cates, M.A.

With the current nursing shortage, nurses have a lot more choices of where they’re going to work and how long they’re going to stay. As baby boomers retire and younger generations of nurses enter the workforce, gone are the days where a nurse would start a career and then four decades later retire from the same position. With the rising demand for nurses in the coming years, it is crucial to create a welcoming and appreciative atmosphere.

Today, healthcare workers are on the move, and to encourage them to stay in one place, hospitals and nurse management are challenged to think of new and innovative ideas for creating loyalty and retention. In addition, each healthcare worker also has the responsibility of creating a healthy atmosphere in which to work, one where their co-workers will want to stay for the long haul.

As you are seeking to increase loyalty and retention, here are some things to keep both you and your colleagues motivated:

Listen. One of the quickest ways to increase loyalty and retention is to listen to your colleagues. People who feel heard are more likely to stay than those who believe their thoughts, ideas and feelings don’t matter. Listening also works to build self-esteem, self-confidence and self-efficacy, a person’s belief that he/she can achieve certain tasks.

The last thing someone wants to hear when they bring an idea forward is: “Oh, what do you know? You are new here. You haven’t had the experience that I’ve had. You haven’t walked in my shoes. I am in charge here!” While these statements may be true, they serve to create walls, not bridges. Words like these can have a long-term, damaging effect on even the most seasoned professional, making them want to run for the door.

Acknowledge Ideas. Although every idea and suggestion cannot be acted upon nor all requests granted, acknowledging a person’s input can go a long way toward

making him or her feel like an integral part of the team. Not only can you acknowledge the idea, you can also acknowledge the thought behind the idea, their unique perspective or skill set in formulating the request. All of these will help to create a sense of belonging.

Take for example, Sally, a new CNA, who during a routine vitals check discovered a patient had been receiving blood pressure medication for several days, even though the patient had no prior history of high blood pressure. After talking with the patient, Sally determined that the blood pressure cuff being used was too small, which caused the patient’s vital signs to be drastically altered. Immediately she took this information to management and adjustments were made that quite possibly saved the patient’s life. Administration took notice of Sally’s quick problem-solving and analytical skills and rewarded her publically for being a diligent patient advocate. More importantly, her co-workers gave her both respect and praise for her ability to take command in an emergency situation.

Be A Motivator. Find out what motivates your colleagues. This will be different for each person. Some are motivated by praise, while others are motivated by power and prestige. Still others are energized through more intrinsic factors, such as a sense of pride, meaning and value. The days of cookie cutter, one-size-fits-all motivation is over. To actively engage your co-workers, you need to find out what works for each person. Don’t treat your co-workers the way YOU want to be treated, treat them the way THEY want to be treated. How do you find out what motivates them? Ask them!

Be Aware Of Information Overload. Be careful that YOU are not the cause of your colleague’s demise by over-sharing. Sometimes you can cause undue stress by getting too in depth about challenging meetings, hospital politics, and your latest interactions with difficult people. This doesn’t mean you can’t share ANY of your personal life with your co-workers, but try to keep the negative to a minimum. After all, most people have enough on their plate without keeping up with your stresses.

A good rule of thumb is to try and keep conversations as positive and productive as possible. The latest research suggests that for every negative comment we make, we should say at least three positive statements. By keeping conversations focused on what you can do, what you are willing to do, and what you have done, you can decrease a colleagues’ stress level.

Model The Behavior You Want. Be aware, from the time you arrive for your shift to the time you leave, you are visible to others. Your goal is to be as “positively visible” as possible. Become a model for the behavior you want to

see in others. Remember that your colleagues often take their behavioral cues from you. If you greet them with a welcoming, “Good Morning,” they are likely to do the same. If you maintain a professional atmosphere, you’ll notice that they will follow suit. Yet if you call them out on their behavior without adjusting your own bad habits, they will see you as hypocritical and insincere.

Focus On Strengths Rather Than Weaknesses. There has been a trend for years to harp on weaknesses rather than develop strengths. If you look at most performance appraisal forms, you will first find an area for improvement. While continuous improvement is important, we now know that there are individuals who will excel at certain tasks. By working cooperatively with others, you can utilize the strengths of each individual.

For additional information, check out Now Discover Your Strengths by Marcus Buckingham and Donald Clifton, Ph.D. or take the Strengths Finder profile at: www.strengthsfinder.com.

Remove Obstacles. Another great way to increase loyalty and retention is to work diligently to remove roadblocks so people can be as productive as possible. By immediately addressing issues involving personal safety, sexual harassment, workplace violence and discrimination, you will help create an environment where your colleagues feel comfortable coming to work.

Supportive Care. While you can’t completely change your environment, you can promote a sense of support and care among your fellow nurses to help them cope with the variety of difficult situations they face. By paying attention to your words and how you communicate, both verbally and nonverbally, you can create a healthy culture of communications.

By applying these simple strategies you can dramatically increase your odds of receiving the answer, “I’ll stay,” when others are deciding, “Should I stay or should I go now?”

Susanne Gaddis, Ph.D., CSP, professionally known as The Communications Doctor, is an internationally known interpersonal communications expert. She has a specialized expertise in healthcare communication and is one of 615 speakers worldwide to have earned the Certified Speaking Professionals designation. Susanne delivers workshops, seminars, and keynote presentations. For more information, or to book Dr. Gaddis for an upcoming conference or event, call 919-933-3237 or visit: www.CommunicationsDoctor.com.

Elizabeth Cates, M.A., is an Organization Development Specialist in Houston who has worked with a variety of companies in the greater Houston Metropolitan area in a number of industries, including healthcare, education, government, and transportation. Elizabeth specializes in communications coaching, competency development, training facilitation, and leadership/management development. For more information on programs or services please call 832-465-7196 or email at elizabeth.cates@att.net.

Should I Stay Or Do I Go Now: Eight Ways To Increase Loyalty And Retention

Susanne Gaddis

Elizabeth Cates

December 2008, January, February 2009 Pelican News • Page 11 •

by Georgia A. Martin, RN, MSN, JD, PhD

The literature suggests that physicians and other non-physician health care providers such as nurses, pharmacists, social workers, and respiratory therapists, as well as their employing institutions and various levels of managers in between, are increasingly being named as defendants in malpractice suits.

Individual LiabilityThe likelihood of nurses, especially

advanced practice nurses, being sued increases as their clinical and managerial responsibilities expand. Nurses are accountable for their actions and are increasingly being named as defendants in malpractice suits with absolutely no liability placed upon the physician. See Ramsey v. Physicians Memorial Hospital, Inc., Daniel v. St. Francis Cabrini Hospital of Alexandria, and Parks v. Perry.

Management Liability A second level of liability extends to clinical managers,

supervisors, and individuals that have management or administrative responsibilities. Supervisors may be held accountable for the negligent acts of individual clinicians, orientees, and float personnel when duties are delegated inappropriately or when supervision is inadequate. If a nurse is not qualified to carry out the assignment, then the manager must provide adequate supervision. How much supervision is adequate depends on the qualifications, skills, and needs of the individual nurse. See Merlitt v. Karcioglu, M.D. and Administrators of the Tulane Educational Fund, Surat v. Nu-Med Pembroke, Inc., and St. Paul Medical Center v. Cecil.

Employer LiabilityA third level of liability attaches to the employing

entity. An employer is automatically liable for the acts of its employees, agency nurses, and student nurses; this is based upon public policy that encourages employers to hire competent employees and to provide them with the facilities, equipment, and staff needed to provide competent care to the public. See Guilbeaux v. LaFayette General Hospital, Battlefiled v. Okubo, and Payne v. Garvey.

Liability of Private Duty NursesPrivate duty nurses are legally responsible for their

own negligent actions. Even though private duty nurses must comply with the hospital's rules and regulations, they usually contract directly with patients to give nursing care and are usually not subject to hospital control, i.e., the hospital cannot dismiss nor reassign them. The hospital, therefore, is rarely held liable for acts of private duty nurses deemed negligent. However, factors in determining possible employer liability include who selected the nurse, the information relied upon by the hospital if another entity made the selection, and the right of control over the actions of the nurse.

Independent Contractor LiabilityThe degree of control an employer has over a health

care provider is the factor that distinguishes an employee from an independent contractor. There is usually no right of control by an employer over an independent contractor’s work. However, an employer may be liable for the acts of an independent contractor if the employer was negligent in selecting the independent contractor and it can be shown that there should have been prior knowledge of the incompetency of that individual. Common examples of independent contractors are private duty nurses, emergency

department physicians, and anesthesiologists. See Butler v. South Fulton Medical Center.

Liability for Lending Staff Services to AnotherAnother type of liability is that resulting from a

borrowed servant. This occurs when an employer lends the services of an employee to another individual. The issue is whether the employer remains liable for the acts of its employee or whether the borrowing person assumes that responsibility. The critical factor again is who has the right of control over how the employee performs a job. Frequently the result is that both the employer and the borrowing individual incur liability because both had input as to how a job is performed. A typical example is where a nurse employed by a hospital is provided to a surgeon as a first assistant, the nurse becomes the borrowed servant and under the control of the surgeon. However, the hospital may have been responsible for training and giving the

nurse credentials as a first assistant and, therefore, may incur some responsibility if the nurse performs negligently.

ConclusionHistorically, only physicians were sued for medical

malpractice. The literature suggests, however, that other non-physician health care providers, as well as their employing institutions and various levels of managers, are increasingly being named as defendants in malpractice suits. As nurses' clinical and managerial responsibilities expand, the likelihood of nurses, especially advanced practice nurses, being sued increases. Risk management today requires every provider and facility to be aware of the various roles each fulfills and the many levels of liability that can co-exist. Non-physician health care providers, as well as their employing institutions, should recognize the increased legal risk for others besides the treating physician.

Who’s Being Sued for Patient Injury:It’s Not Just the Physician

• Page 12 • Pelican News december 2008, January, February 2009

by Joe Ann Clark

It is my hope you have already heard about Louisiana’s first Nursing Summit. I thought it would be good to share with you how the Nursing Summit was developed and how it has evolved. At a recent meeting of the Nursing Supply and Demand Commission, there was much discussion centered on the problems and challenges associated with educating nurses so that they can successfully enter the workforce and once they are in the workforce, retain them. A comment was made “that nursing educators, employers and regulators don’t ever talk to each other!” Consequently, that one statement was enough to engage great conversation. It did not take long for representatives from nursing education, practice, administration and regulation, along with representatives of LSNA to discover that such a collaborative meeting would be beneficial for all stakeholders. As a result, the “Louisiana Nursing Summit” was born!

The planning committee felt that it was important to have a really dynamic, highly respected keynote speaker, to “kick things off.” That really dynamic, highly respected speaker would be, Dr. Peter Buerhaus. Dr. Buerhaus has confirmed his participation in the Nursing Summit and the title of his presentation will be “Nursing’s Future: Aligning the Interest of Education, Practice and Policy.” Other presenters will speak to the issues relating to nursing education and the workplace and will provide information about the newly developed Louisiana Nursing Workforce Center which will be housed at the Louisiana State Board of Nursing. For more specifics about content and speakers, please refer to the printed brochure which is next to this article. My thanks to all who gave up so much of their time and efforts to make this happen. They are:

Representatives of LaCANE (Louisiana Council of Administrators of Nursing Education)

Dr. Melanie Green, Dean of Nursing at Our Lady of the Lake College

Dr. Melinda Oberleitner, Head and Associate to the Dean, Department of Nursing and Allied Health Professions at University of Louisiana at Lafayette

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

Dr. Barbara Moffett, Department Head—Undergraduate Program at Southeastern Louisiana University

Dr. Norann Planchock, Dean, College of Nursing at Northwestern State University

Representatives of LANO (Louisiana Alliance of Nursing Organizations)

Joni Nickens, LANO President Clair Millet, LANO Secretary and Chief Public Health

Nurse, Louisiana Office of Public Health

Representatives of LSNA (Louisiana State Nurses Association)

Louisiana Nursing Summit—March 20, 2009

Nursing StoryRita E. Roark BC-RN

I am a board certified psychiatric and mental health nurse. For many years I had the pleasure of being a psychiatric home health nurse. Meeting people in their own environment had many pluses for me.

My privilege was to meet a very well educated schizophrenic. She had graduated in 1935 from UCLA. As so many schizophrenic are, she was very articulate. Her "pride and joy" was being a bibliographer for movies during the Howard Hughes era. She had worked for this recluse. When questioned what that entailed, she readily explained that she made sure if the movie setting was 1880 that a 1920 clock was not on the wall. She also worked at the Huntington Library in Los Angeles. Her graduate work was done at Emory. She wrote "her masterpiece" a bibliography of J. Frank Dobie for the Museum of the Great Plains. Her career was cut short due to her illness.

She returned to her family home in rural Louisiana. She lived in a one story schoolhouse very far out in the country. Every visit she would tell me about the lady upstairs and all the voices coming from upstairs. No matter how much I tried to explain to her that the voices upstairs were part of her illness, she vehemently stated "I know what I know." No amount of teaching could persuade her differently.

One day I arrived find to a jubilant lady. When asked what was the reason for her elation, she promptly replied" I heard that the lady upstairs has died." What a brilliant lady! She killed off her voices and they never returned to her again. Worked better than any medications or a gun!

I have shared this story with other psych nurses and they all agree that my little lady was an exceptional patient. One that I will never forget. I have had many patients that I only wished could have killed off their voices.

Maxine Johnson, LSNA Vice-President and Chair, Program Committee

Diane Webb, LSNA Program Committee member Dr. Deborah Shelton, LSNA Program Committee

memberPatricia La Brosse, LSNA President

Representatives of LONE (Louisiana Organization of Nurse Executives)

Patricia Johnson, Senior Vice President/Chief Nurse Executive at Woman’s Hospital

Dr. Kathy Viator, Chief Executive Officer at Earl K. Long Hospital

Representatives of LSBN (Louisiana State Board of Nursing)

Barbara Morvant, Executive Director of LSBNDr. Elaine Vallett, Director of Education/Licensure at

LSBN

I am sure all of the above join me in thanking Carol Cairo, LSNA Program Coordinator for all she has done!

December 2008, January, February 2009 Pelican News • Page 13 •

Board of DirectorsPresident Bernadine MiltonPresident Elect Jennifer CouvillonVice President Kathleen MoisiewiczTreasurer Denise DannaSecretary Rose SchaubhutDirector at large Marie AdornoDirector at large Deborah GarbeeDirector at large Scharalda JeanfreauDirector at large Kathy CarterDirector at large Anne TroyDirector at large Jacqueline WarrenPast President Tonia Aiken Also on the Board are:Bylaws Committee Chair Marilyn HammettHealthcare Policy Co-chairs Kathy Solis Kathy CarterWebsite Editor Tonia Aiken

Calendar of EventsMarch 10, 2008 Tuesday, Student Nurse Night at the

Jefferson Orleans South. NODNA once again honors the graduating student nurses at this special event. More information will be forthcoming.

From the PresidentOur BOD has been busy over the last few months.

Working on many initiatives including recognition of students, research grants, public relations, and programs for our membership.

Our work continues with design of our Website. Want an officer to contact you? Have questions on what you can do with NODNA? Please send to our email address NODNA@cox.net.

General MeetingsOur Program committee has been working up a storm.

We are getting our calendar of events ready through next year.

Please make sure you watch for your invitation to the October general meeting. I hear that the venue is going to be fantastic and we will be hearing from one of our own.

Common Nursing Breaches of the Standard of Care

by Tonia D. Aiken, RN, JD and Diane T. Warlick, RN, JD

www.NurseLaw.com

BEWARE of the following nursing breaches of the standard of care:

1. Failure to obtain necessary care through the hierarchy

2. Failure to modify or follow care plans or critical pathways

3. Documentation—failure to document, inadequate documentation, falsification of records, and alteration of records

4. Failure to recognize the seriousness of the patient’s condition

5. Failure to follow the institutions policy and procedure

6. Administering care although not adequately trained7. Improper delegation of duties to someone not proper

trained

8. Failure to properly monitor or supervise patients9. Failure to provide a safe environment, resulting in

injuries such as falls and burns10. Failure to communicate, or inadequate

communication, with health care providers, families, or patients

11. Failure to properly observe the patient12. Failure to follow prescribed orders13. Retained foreign objects14. Floating issues15. Failure to properly screen16. Failure to timely and properly identify high-risk

patients17. Failure to perform triage properly18. Failure to provide proper advice19. Failure to properly use and maintain medical

equipment20. Failure to give proper instructions21. Failure to inform the physician of significant signs

and symptoms or changes in the patient’s condition22. Failure to record pertinent health or drug

information23. Failure to record nursing actions24. Failure to record that medications have been given25. Documenting on the wrong chart26. Failure to document a discontinued medication27. Failure to record drug reactions or changes in the

patient’s condition28. Failure to transcribe orders properly or transcribing

improper orders29. Writing illegible or incomplete records30. Medication errors, incorrect technique, or negligent

administration of medication

FOR MORE INFORMATION ONNURSING LAW ISSUES,

PLEASE GO TO WWW.NURSELAW.COM.

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.

• Page 14 • Pelican News december 2008, January, February 2009

Ruston District Nurses Association

Ruston District Nurses Association generally meets the third Tuesday of each month at 5:15 p.m. in the GTM conference room on the campus of Louisianan Tech University. Programs for this fall include:

December 16 Christmas Party with Inspirational Thoughts by Lou Murphy

Highlights of RDNA member’s activities this fall include:

The Louisiana Tech Student Nurse Association attended the 54th Annual Louisiana Association of Student Nurses State Convention in Alexandria, La. on October 16-19. Louisiana Tech University won first place for the most Community Health Service Projects, and first place for the most outstanding community project which benefited the March of Dimes. They received a plaque and $50.00 for their organization for each first place win. They also won second place for the cover of their scrapbook. Faculty consultants are RDNA member Beth Fife and Lena Brown.

Nancy Darland presented” The Adoption Experience” at the ULM school of nursing October 21 in conjunction with “Understanding Infant Adoption” which is part of Spaulding’s Infant Adoption Training. This 4 to 6 hour continuing nursing education program is available for schools of nursing, hospitals, and healthcare agencies. Funding is provided by Spaulding for Children. For more information contact Pat.Atkins@voanothla.org. or Richard Caffarel at Volunteers of America, 360 Jordan Street, Shreveport, LA 71101, 318-221-2669.

LA Tech student nurses are participating in a multidisciplinary disaster drill October 30. Funding is provided from the University of Louisiana Systems Learn and Serve Grant, “Integrating Community Resources for Disaster Preparedness in Lincoln Parish” written by Ramona Guin, Beth Fife, Shirley Payne, and Lena Brown.

Norlyn Hyde and Ramona Guin attended the LSNA October Board of Directors meeting. Nancy Darland, Beth Fife, and Ramona Guin serve on the LSNA Continuing Education Committee.

President’s Message Jackie Hill, PhD, RN

As I approach the end of my term, I would like to thank all of you for allowing me to serve as your president. Special thanks to my board members, past & present, for the support you provided me. We’ve accomplished a lot these past 2 years: changed bylaws, increased membership, became incorporated, increased visibility in community, and formed alliances with other nursing organizations. For those of you who want to contribute to the organization through service, the district is seeking volunteers to run for the following:

President-ElectVice PresidentRecording SecretaryTreasurer Board member, Health Care Policy CommitteeBoard member, Publicity & Public Relations

CommitteeThe term of service for each of these positions is

two years. Please contact Lorinda Sealey for further information at lsealey@slu.edu

As the membership continues to grow—262 at the end of September- we want to embrace the new nurses entering our profession. To this end, the district honored graduating seniors from the area RN programs in October. These students are the future of nursing. Pictured below are students representing Baton Rouge General, Southeastern Louisiana University and Southern University. Two Southern University students, Alexis Bowman and Tulonda Jackson, were the winners of one year memberships to LSNA. The speaker for the evening was Dr. Edna Hull, who spoke on Incivility in Nursing. The topic was timely not only for the prospective grads but experienced nurses as well.

As usual, we welcome your participation and comments in making the district better. Thanks again for the opportunity to serve. Please join us by going to the website at www.lsna.org or you can contact your new president Sherri Ellis at sherri.ellis@brgeneral.org for additional information.

District NewsBaton Rouge District Nurses

Association

Baton Rouge General

Southeastern Louisiana University

Southern University