FNPN August Newsletter

Good Afternoon!

We would like to bring you up to date on what’s new in your own backyard of Florida. In this newsletter you will find the following:

• From Board of Directors
• FNPN Nominations and Elections
• FNPN Research Group
• Around the State and Around the Nation
• Education Updates
• Membership Update
• Job Announcement
• FNPN PAC Update
• From AANP
• News You Can Use

Quote of the Month:
“The most precious gift we can offer anyone is our attention. When mindfulness embraces those we love, they will bloom like flowers.” ― Thich Nhat Hanh

From our Board of Directors

Cindy Parsons - Secretary 

Happy summer to all of our FNPN members!

So far the summer has been quite busy. In May, we celebrated 10 years of representing the Nurse Practitioners in this state with a wonderful conference. Our keynote speaker, Dr. Loretta Ford, energized attendees and challenged us all to stay focused and work together to achieve our common goal of practicing to the full extent of our knowledge, skills and abilities. To do this, restrictive barriers will need to be addressed and removed. Dr. Ford strongly emphasized that this will require the talents and time of every NP licensed in the state. This can be as little time as taking a few minutes to drop a line to your state Senator and Representative expressing your views on the need for NPs to be fully utilized to meet the health care needs of Floridians or jumping in and volunteering to work with our legislative team (if you are interested please contact Dr. Deb Fredric through the website). 

In June we had the annual AANP conference, which coincided with the Nevada governor signing legislation removing the restrictions of physician supervision from the scope of advanced practice nurses. If that didn’t charge up the crowd then the keynote addresses by Dr. Donna Shalala (who chaired the task force that developed the IOM report on The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, 2010) and Barbara Safriet, JD a longtime advocate of NPs practicing to the full scope of their training certainly did. The conference was attended by over 5,500 NPs and NP students and was a wonderful opportunity to gain knowledge about new trends in clinical treatments, medications, advanced practice education or health policy, as well as a time to catch up with old friends or make new ones. During the conference events, our own President Doreen Cassarino, received the award for NP advocacy in the state of Florida. Jean Aertker was installed as the Region 11 Director and we know she will represent the southern states well. Congratulations to both of them. We would also like to congratulate the newly inducted Fellows of AANP, Florida was well represented and we are proud of the leadership, practice and scholarly activities that these NPs are involved in.

As you can see this has been a very busy summer thus far and it is our goal to continue to represent the NPs of Florida well at the state and national level. 

FNPN Nominations and Elections

It is that time to begin the election process for the Florida Nurse Practitioner Network (FNPN). The leadership positions that will be open for nominations and voting this year include: 1) First-Vice President in charge of Legislative Affairs, 2) Secretary, 3) Membership Chair and 4) Nominating Committee members. The following is a short description for each leadership position.

• First-Vice  President
• Elected for a two year term (odd numbered years)
• The First-Vice President shall:
  
• Assume the duties of the President should the president be absent or unable to serve.
  
• Assume other duties as assigned by the President.
  
• Oversee health policy, media and public relations for the organization.
• Secretary
• Elected for a two year term (odd numbered years)
• The Secretary shall:
  
• Keep a record of all proceedings from the Board of  Director and general membership meetings.
  
• Ensure that the Board of Directors and members are notified of elections and appointments.
  
• Ensure that minutes from Board of Director meetings are shared with the membership
  
• Correspond with other organizations and assume other duties as assigned by the President.
• Membership Chair
• Elected for a two year term (odd numbered years)
• The membership chair shall:
  
• Oversee demographic database of members.
  
• Maintain list with contact information for all collaborating organizations.
  
• Oversee membership drives.
  
• Report status of membership to Board of Directors quarterly.
  
• Oversee members’ needs surveys as directed by the President.
• Nominating Committee:

The Nominations Committee shall prepare a slate that optimally consists of at least two nominees for each office to be filled each year and submit the slate to the Board of Directors as directed in Article VI – Elections.

The committee shall consist of at three (3) FNPN full members in good standing, who are not members of the Board of Directors, elected by the membership during the regular election process in odd numbered years.

The Chair shall be the individual on the ballot for the Nominations Committee with the greatest number of votes. If there is a tie for the position of Chair, the decision shall be made by secret ballot of the Board of Directors. The term of office for the Chair and committee members shall be two years. In the event a vacancy occurs in any position of the committee, including the Chair, the vacancy shall be filled for the remainder of the term by a majority vote of the remaining members of the committee. The Chair and members of the committee shall not be eligible for nomination for any elected position while serving on the committee.

Nominations for elections will be accepted from July 13, 2013 through September 13, 2013. Once all nominations have been submitted, an official ballot will be sent out electronically by October 13, 2013. The ballot will be due no later than November 13, 2013. We are looking for each of you to become more actively involved with FNPN. Your involvement is critical as we continue to grow in numbers and build bridges within and outside of our community!

In order to participate membership dues must be current.

If you desire more information on any of the above mentioned positions, please feel free to contact us.

FNPN Research Group

Susan Smith DHSc, ARNP-BC

In keeping with the mission of the Florida Nurse Practitioner Network to provide for educational and professional growth and promote excellence in education and research, we are launching an NP Research Group. As a profession, Nurse Practitioners are continuously challenged to demonstrate competence, efficacy, and quality in order to maintain and advance our practice. Over time, we have emerged as knowledgeable, capable, and invaluable partners in the healthcare delivery system. Research provides the evidence on which we base our practice (EBP). This, in combination with the clinician’s individual expertise and unique patient attributes, serves as solid foundational uidelines.                        

To be of value, research must be timely, ongoing, and, above all, translatable. Unfortunately, many barriers can be encountered in this process. Previous research revealed that lack of training, time constraints, lack of employer incentives, and the fear that guidelines will result in the loss of autonomy all affect willingness to participate in and incorporate research. Failure to disseminate research findings eliminates the potential for results to positively impact practice and patient outcomes. One area that is frequently pointed at when we discuss increasing the scope of advanced practice nursing is safety and efficacy.

Graduate Nursing programs introduce EBP and advanced research methods. This initial exposure needs to be nurtured. All Nurse Practitioners, from novice to expert, benefit from the advances made possible through research. Additionally, ongoing research is paramount to sustaining and reinforcing the integrity of our practice. One goal of the research group will be to begin to gather, appraise and synthesize the literature relative to advanced practice nursing in terms of safety, cost-effectiveness and quality.       

Please join me in this effort. My name is Susan Smith. I am an Acute Care and Family Board Certified NP working with a Plastics and Reconstructive Surgical Practice in Orlando (our practice specializes in Cancer and Trauma Reconstruction for all ages). Despite a busy full time clinical practice, I actively participate in several ongoing research projects, serving as Principal Investigator on one. Several of you have far more research experience than I and I look forward to combining my passion and knowledge with all of your vast and varied expertise in developing and refining the goals for this group. I would love to hear from those of you who have an interest in . 

Susan Smith DHSc, ARNP-BC

Susan.smith4@orlandohealth.com 

Around the State and Around the Nation

FNPN President Doreen Cassarino recognized for exemplary nursing leadership in the Florida Action Coalition

Here is an example of exemplary nursing leadership the Florida Action Coalition where members are working on our part of our SIP grant. FNPN President Doreen Cassarino is featured in this article for the RWJ Foundation and AARP supported Campaign for Action. Florida is moving fast and furious to get the message out to all. Click here to see Doreen's success! http://campaignforaction.org/community-post/nursing-leadership-florida

The Future of Nursing: Campaign for Action is a national initiative to guide implementation of the recommendations in The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health, a landmark Institute of Medicine (IOM) report.

The campaign envisions a health care system where all Americans have access to high-quality care, with nurses contributing to the full extent of their capabilities. It is coordinated through the Center to Champion Nursing in America (CCNA), an initiative of AARP, the AARP Foundation and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF).

The campaign includes 51 state Action Coalitions and a wide range of health care providers, consumer advocates, policy-makers, and business, academic and philanthropic leaders. Ensuring all Americans have access to a highly skilled nurse when and where they need one.

Are you involved? You need to be. Contact Doreen Cassarino, FNPN President for more information. You just may be the key to our success here!! 

FNPN Members Win Award for Nurse Practitioner Excellence

Two FNPN members received prestigious awards during the AANP 2013 National Conference held June 19-23, 2013 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Doreen Cassarino, MSN, ARNP, FNP-BC, BC-ADM, DNPc, FNPN President, was the recipient of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) 2013 State Award for Advocacy and Alicia Gill Rossiter, MSN, ARNP, PNP-BC, FNP received the State Award for Nurse Practitioner Excellence.

The State Award for Nurse Practitioner Excellence, founded in 1991, recognizes a nurse practitioner (NP) in a state who demonstrates excellence in practice. In 1993, the State Award for Nurse Practitioner Advocate was added to recognize the efforts of individuals who have made a significant contribution toward increasing the awareness and acceptance of the NP.

Congratulations to both on receiving these well-deserved honors.

Board Member Pamela Johnson Selected for Nurse Leadership Program

Pamela V Johnson ARNP, FNP-BC of Deerfield Beach, Florida has been selected as a Fellow for the Duke-Johnson & Johnson Nurse Leadership Program’s 2013-2014 inaugural year. Ms. Johnson is a primary care provider to persons within their home settings, in addition to being the Membership Director for Florida Nurse Practitioner Network.  

The Duke-Johnson & Johnson Nurse Leadership Program, a one year certificate program, is a partnership between Duke University School of Medicine, Duke University School of Nursing and Johnson & Johnson. The program has been created to provide an innovative leadership development learning experience for the advanced practice nurse. Fellows will participate in three leadership retreats throughout the year as well as distance-based learning activities and a leadership project of their choice. The program aims to provide Fellows with the leadership and management skills required to effectively address the needs of underserved populations and to become change agents within their practice settings and the ever-changing health care environment.

Your Participation is Needed in Florida Nursing Leadership Survey

Please consider participating in this survey from the Diversity Council of the Florida Action Coalition in collaboration with the Florida Center for Nursing. As a proud supporter of the Florida Center for Nursing and a participant in the Florida Action Coalition FNPN encourages your help. 

The purpose of this study is to gain information regarding leadership interest and competency among nurses across practice levels, diverse backgrounds, and professional settings. As a nurse in the state of Florida, we are asking that you complete the 15-20 minute questionnaire to share your personal opinions and experiences. Please click here to participate 

Your participation in this survey is entirely voluntary and all of your responses will be kept confidential, unless you choose to make yourself available for follow-up. 

Education Updates:

Please check for important educational opportunities posted on our website at www.fnpn.org. 

Aug 17   CV   Challenges – The Florida Chapter, ACC Annual Meeting Saturday, August 17 2013 at 7:00am ET in Orlando, FL

Aug17   FMCSA   DOT Medical Examiner Training Course Saturday, August 17 2013 at 8:00am ET in Orlando, FL

Sep 13   Southern   Gulf Coast 7th Annual Educational Conference Friday, September 13 2013 at 6:00pm ET in Cape Coral, FL

Oct 03   AANP   Specialty and Leadership Conference Thursday, October 03 2013 at 7:00am PT in Las Vegas, NV

Oct 18   NPCPBC   Annual Clinical Conference Friday, October 18 2013 at 5:30pm ET in Palm Beach   Gardens, FL

Nov 01   Current   Concepts in Oncology: Advanced Practice Professionals' Case Presentation   Approach Friday, November 01 2013 at 7:30am ET in Tampa, FL

Nov 14   Statewide   Nursing Summit Thursday, November 14 2013 at 8:00am ET

Job Announcements!

There have been many new job postings around the state on our web site at www.fnpn.org  for those of you that may have an interest. On our new website, the most recent postings are on the front page. A new feature will allow postings to be visible for 90 days. Please feel free to pass this along to your colleagues who may be interested in it as well, or who may have an interest in finding out more about our network.  For those of you that have found jobs on our website, please be sure to let us know! 

Do you know an employer who might find the FNPN Job posting a worthwhile site? If so, please be sure to tell them about the website and the fact that on average 20 or more jobs are posted each month.  The traffic to our website is incredible and we have more and more folks seeking employment through this site than ever before.  Let them know you saw it on the FNPN Website! 

Membership Update

Pamela V Johnson - Membership Chair 

The Florida Nurse Practitioner Network (FNPN) is a non-profit organization created in 2003 to foster advanced education relating to clinical and legislative enhancement of Nurse Practitioners practicing throughout Florida. Ten years ago, our founders envisioned an organization that would provide opportunities for Advanced Practice Nurses in the State of Florida to network, thus sharing ideas and developing strategic plans to examine and maximize roles, as well as functions of Advanced Practice Nursing.

Today, Advanced Practice Nursing (APN) in Florida includes, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists, Certified Nurse Midwives, Clinical Nurse Specialist, and Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioners. Each Specialty group of Nurse Practitioner is title protected. Various statutes and rules direct professional scope of practice.

Nurse Practitioners own practices, partner with physicians & non-physicians in business, as well as through collaborative partnerships. We provide care to persons in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, in private homes, mental health institutions, and outpatient surgical centers to name a few. 

The National Institutes for Health, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, National Governors Associations, Kaiser Permanente, Florida’s Tax Watch, and the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services have acknowledged a need to maximize full practice authority of Advanced Practice Nurses in order to increase access of primary care services to the patients. 

We believe professionalism begins during academic preparation of Advanced Practice Nurses. The Florida Nurse Practitioner Network provides seasoned clinicians and students the right vote and hold office. Legislation influenced by FNPN members affects federal and state laws relating to the practice of advanced nursing. Simply stated, dialog precedes vote and each vote is voice! 

As clinicians, corporate executives, entrepreneurs, politicians, and patients – we make a difference. Students are our future. Nurse Practitioners are viable stakeholders within the healthcare industry. Deans, Directors, and Nursing faculty are asked to please share with their students the importance of becoming a member of the Florida Nurse Practitioner Network. 

Advanced Practice Nurses throughout Florida are encouraged to UNITE as an individual or group member of the Florida Nurse Practitioner Network. Many voices can agree to disagree. In relationships we refer this this concept as having ‘options.’ We all need one another. 

The Mission of the Florida Nurse Practitioner Network includes:

1) Encouraging networking between members throughout the state,

2) Providing educational and professional development for Nurse Practitioners,

3) Serving as a resource for nurse practitioners, their patients and other health care consumers,

4) Promoting excellence in practice, education, policy and research,

5) Providing legislative leadership and

6) Advocating for health policy. 

FNPN’s membership committee exists to advice on ways to increase and sustain members. WE exist to LISTEN to YOU! Post comments, email, or call FNPN membership committee at your leisure. Each member makes a difference! 

Visit www.fnpn.org to become an individual or group member of the Florida Nurse Practitioner Network today! 

FNPN PAC Update

The purpose of the FNPN-Political Action Committee (PAC) is to promote the ARNP profession through advancing the outcome of political issues or legislation. This is accomplished by contributing to the support of worthy candidates for State or Local offices who we believe have demonstrated their support of the principles to which this professional organization is dedicated. To further their purpose the PAC is empowered to solicit and accept these voluntary personal contributions (up to $500 per year per person). These contributions are used to attempt to influence the selection, nomination, or election of any individual to any State or Local office. Your decision to make a PAC contribution will help to continue our efforts wherever possible. Contributions can be made @ www.FNPN.org via Pay Pal…or your check payable to FNPN-PAC. 

If anyone is interested in volunteering their time, please contact Dr. Fleck at laureenfleck@yahoo.com

Let’s make things happen together! Thank you for your support!!          

From AANP

Attention Florida NPs and NP students: Have you ever attended an AANP Specialty Conference? This is the conference developed by the membership to bring skill building courses and up to date procedures and practice pearls to boost your career and talents! Learn how to do those advanced skills here! Join your colleagues at the 2013 Specialty & Leadership Conference, October 3-6 at the Paris Las Vegas Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada. This conference is smaller and draws 300-400 folks, so you get more hands on experience and time to network! For More Information Click Here 

News You Can Use

The Florida NP Network has taken the next step to keep our members informed. Keep abreast of changes in your practice around the state and around the nation. You can join us today on Facebook under Florida Nurse Practitioner and Twitter under FloridaNP. We hope to hear from you.

Did you know as a current dues member you can access a weekly legislative report? Go to www.fnpn.org click on the Health Policy and Legislation tab. Under 2013 Florida State Legislation, all the weekly legislative reports so far this year are available.

Send Us Your Articles  It is wonderful to spotlight Nurse Practitioners and highlight happenings in your area. Please submit names and events to floridanpnetwork@gmail.com. FNPN newsletter welcomes your input!

FNPN Legislative VP Interviewed

Debra Friedrich, FNPN Legislative VP, weighs in on need for primary care providers. http://www.bizjournals.com/tampabay/news/2013/08/05/usf-follows-the-nation-in-nurse.html

Fighting Human Trafficing St. Paul nurse practitioner Laurel Edinburgh helped start an intervention program, read her story.
Read more: http://www.truthaboutnursing.org/news/2013/jan/runaway.html#ixzz2bgpsmH1E Let's all stay alert to this; you could save a life and more!

New Mandatory CE Requirements for Florida Nurses

FNPN is pleased to learn the Florida Board of Nursing has added a new continuing education requirement: 64B9-5.013 Continuing Education on Laws and Rules. For novice to expert, some in practice find its hard to keep up with legislative changes and new rules that impact ARNP's. It is good to keep up in these rule changes to ensure all are in compliance. We encourage the other health professions to do the same.

Beginning with the biennium ending in 2015, each licensee shall complete a two (2) hour course on the laws and rules that govern the practice of nursing in Florida. To receive Board approval, each course must include content on Chapters 456 and 464 of the Florida Statutes and the rules in Title 64B9 of the Florida Administrative Code. Rulemaking Authority 464.013 FS. Law Implemented 464.013 FS. History–New 4-21-13. The Laws & Rules of the Board course can only be offered by a Board of Nursing approved continuing education provider.

Remember there are 3 ARNP renewal groups for Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioners (Registered Nurses):
Group 1 – current license will expire at midnight, Eastern Time, April 30, 2014
Group 2 – current license will expire at midnight, Eastern Time, July 31, 2014
Group 3 – current license will expire at midnight, Eastern Time, April 30, 2013

If you have any questions please contact Sherri Sutton-Johnson at the Board of Nursing, 850-245-4444 extension 3679