Don't Forget... Webinar Today!

As we mentioned last week, Versant Holdings, LLC is holding a webinar today at 11amET featuring Peter I. Buerhaus, PhD, RN, FAAN, an expert in nurse and physician workforces in the United States.

Click here to register for the webinar, "The Supply of Registered Nurses - Are We in an Employment Bubble?"

Latest News on Nurse Presenteeism

Yesterday, we told you about INQRI grantee Susan Letvak being inducted as an American Academy of Nursing Fellow later this year.

To learn more about Dr. Letvak's INQRI project, check out her team's latest article in the American Journal of Nursing, "Nurses' presenteeism and its effects on self-reported quality of care and costs."

You may also be interested in an earlier piece, published in Geriatric Nursing: "The Impact of Worker Health on Long Term Care: Implications for Nurse Managers."

2012 AAN Fellows Announced... with an INQRI Grantee Among Them!

INQRI congratulates all of the American Academy of Nursing's 2012 Fellows, but we would like to especially congratulate INQRI grantee Susan Letvak, University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

Dr. Letvak co-led her INQRI research team with Christopher Ruhm, evaluating the influence of presenteeism (decreased productivity due to health problems) on hospital registered nurses' quality of patient care. This study focused on presenteeism among RNs suffering musculoskeletal pain and/or depression. They assessed the economic costs to the health care system associated with presenteeism. Using a mixed methods approach, including a survey and focus groups of RNs in North Carolina, researchers documented a depression prevalence of 18% in hospital nurses. Seventy-one percent of nurses interviewed reported working with some pain and the majority of nurses interviewed reported that a health problem had negatively affected their productivity on the job in the previous two weeks. The team found that pain and depression were significantly associated with presenteeism and that presenteeism was significantly associated with patient falls, medication errors and the perceived quality of care. Finally, the team found that the productivity loss due to pain and/or depression was $14,339 per nurse and $876.9 million for the state of North Carolina. If these numbers were extrapolated to the nation, the productivity loss would be $22.7 billion.

Congratulations, Dr. Letvak - we look forward to your induction as an AAN Fellow in October!

Doctors Battle Board of Nursing on Anesthesia Protocols

We hope all of you had a safe and relaxing Memorial Day weekend. The news story we are sharing with all of you today is in stark contrast to many stories we have previously shared that address nurses' scope of practice.

Over the weekend, Jim Saunders, reporting for Naplesnews.com, discussed how an administrative law judge will be hearing a case in June that will determine if the Florida Board of Nursing has the right to dictate what drugs nurses can or cannot administer. Interestingly, both the Florida Osteopathic Medical Association and the Florida Podiatric Medical Association have filed suit against the Florida Board of Nursing for not allowing registered nurses and licensed-practical nurses to administer Propofol. In stark contrast to many other states' legal battles, the medical associations are advocating for RNs and LPNs' right to administer this drug while the Board of Nursing argues that this falls out of their training and scope of practice.

What do you think?

Click here to read the full article.

More Videos From The INQRI 2012 National Conference

We are pleased to share with all of you the final three recordings from our National Conference, which convened in Washington, DC at the end of April. Below you will see a video from Dr. Susan Hassmiller discussing the role of INQRI in the development and implementation of the Future of Nursing and the Campaign for Action. The two videos following Dr. Hassmiller's comments are panel discussions on "Dissemination & Implementation" and "The Business Case for Changes Nursing". Feel free to share these videos and comment on them either on the blog or their respective Youtube pages.

INQRI and the Future of Nursing



In this session from the 2012 INQRI national conference, RWJF's advisor for nursing, Susan Hassmiller shares her thoughts about INQRI's role in the Future of Nursing and the Campaign for Action.


INQRI Panel: Dissemination and Implementation - INQRI's Potential Impact 




Presented by INQRI grantees: Marita Titler, Deleise Wilson, Barbara Resnick and Leah Shever. Moderated by Polly Pittman. At INQRI's national conference (April 26-27, 2012), a select group of INQRI grantees used their findings as the basis for discussions about the relationship between their research and trends in interdisciplinary collaboration, methodology and implementation science, quality measurement, dissemination and implementation, and the business case for nursing.

INQRI Panel: The Business Case for Changes in Nursing To Improve Quality and Value



Presented by INQRI grantees: Olga Yakusheva, Doug Wholey and Kevin Frick. Moderated by INQRI Co-Director Mark Pauly. At INQRI's national conference (April 26-27, 2012), a select group of INQRI grantees used their findings as the basis for discussions about the relationship between their research and trends in interdisciplinary collaboration, methodology and implementation science, quality measurement, dissemination and implementation, and the business case for nursing.

Webinar: The Supply of Registered Nurses – Are We in an Employment Bubble?

We are pleased to share with all of you an upcoming webinar hosted by our colleagues at Versant Holdings, LLC focused on the supply of registered nurses (RNs). You may remember Charles F. Krozek, MN, RN, FAAN, Managing Partner of Versant Holdings, LLC, led a webinar hosted by the INQRI program addressing the (IOM) report The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health's third recommendation at the end of Feburary of this year, which you can view a video of here. Versant Holdings, LLC upcoming webinar will feature Peter I. Buerhaus, PhD, RN, FAAN, an expert in nurse and physician workforces in the United States.

We encourage all of you to participate in this free webinar.

Click here to register for the webinar.

NPs Make Perfect Sense for Nursing Homes

Last Friday, Steven Spearie, of the MetroWest Daily News, discussed the growing roles of nurse practitioners (NPs) in nursing homes. As we have previously discussed in our blog, NPs provide high-quality while also creating a strong bond with patients. Additionally, health care delivered by NPs is less costly and can help close the gap in provider shortages in many sectors of health care around the country.

Click here to read the full article.

Newly Released Videos From The INQRI 2012 National Conference

We are pleased to share with all of you three few videos from the INQRI National Conference that took place on April 24-25th of this year. Continue to keep an eye on our blog as we will continue to upload new material from this wonderful and highly successful conference.

“INQRI Leadership Team”

In these clips from the 2012 INQRI national conference, leadership team members Lori Melichar (senior program officer), Mary Naylor (program director), and Mark Pauly (program co-director) share their reflections about INQRI's beginnings, its impact and the stage it has set for the future.





“INQRI Panel: Trends in Interdisciplinary Collaboration”
Presented by INQRI grantees: Cindy Corbett, Linda Costa and Michele Balas
Moderated by David Krol from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

A select group of INQRI grantees used their findings as the basis for discussions about the relationship between their research and trends in interdisciplinary collaboration, methodology and implementation science, quality measurement, dissemination and implementation, and the business case for nursing.

INQRI Panel: Measuring Nurses' Contribution to the Quality of Health Care

Presented by INQRI grantees: Susan Beck, Marianne Weiss, Nancy Ryan-Wenger, Nancy Donaldson.
Moderated by INQRI NAC Member Shelley White-Means.

At INQRI's national conference (April 26-27, 2012), a select group of INQRI grantees used their findings as the basis for discussions about the relationship between their research and trends in interdisciplinary collaboration, methodology and implementation science, quality measurement, dissemination and implementation, and the business case for nursing.

New York Times Op-Ed: The Power of Nursing

Yesterday, the New York Times featured an Op-Ed by David Bornstein discussing a groundbreaking imitative, the Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP). Mr. Bornstein, known for his coverage of social innovations, outlined how the NFP arranges for registered nurses to make regular home visits to first-time low-income or vulnerable mothers. This program has resulted in improved health for mothers and their children, while also contributing to greater society by preventing child abuse and costly hospital admissions from infants.

Click here to read more about Mr. Bornstein's coverage of the NFP program.

As Boomers Age, Need for Nurses Increases

Earlier today, the Chicago Sun Times featured an article written by Maria Sonnenberg that outlined how the aging baby boomer population will require more nurses in the health care workforce then ever before. Ms. Sonnenberg focused on how nurses with valuable years of experience can act in mentorship roles for new graduates and facilitate young nurses growth in this ever expanding field.

Click here to read the full article.

American Academy of Nurse Practitioners To Roll Out Educational Campaign This Week

Earlier this morning, Sarah Kliff, writing for The Washington Post's WonkBlog, detailed how the demand of health services is expected to spike over the next decade due to expanded coverage of the Patient Protection & Accountable Care Act (PPACA). In wake of the looming primary care shortage in the United States, the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners is starting an educational campaign this week to explain what nurse practitioners (NP) actually do and why patients should trust them with their medical needs. As with many of the other NP scope of practice stories we have covered lately, many state and national medical groups are against expanding NPs ability to practice to the full extent of their training and it will be interesting (to say the least) to see how both the health care sector and public react to this most recent campaign.

Click here to read the full story.

Click here to read other blogposts discussing NP scope of practice.

Why Nurses Need More Authority

Earlier this week, John Rowe, professor of Health Policy and Management at the Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health, wrote an Op-Ed in The Atlantic emphasizing the importance of allowing nurses to practice to the full extent of their training. Citing the Institute of Medicine (IOM) report, Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health, Dr. Rowe discussed how advanced practice nurses (APRNs) can fill the primary shortage gap by providing services that is within their scope of practice. Dr. Rowe goes on to highlight the growing battle between physician and nurse organizations, which we have previously covered (here and here).

We encourage all of you to read this very poignant Op-Ed that supports a stronger role for nurses in the 21st century health care workforce.

Upcoming Webinar on May 17, 1-2pm EST: Lifelong Learning: Creating Partnerships to Build a Culture for Professional Growth

The INQRI program is pleased to announce the fifth webinar in our series focused on the IOM report, 'The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health."    

This session will focus on the sixth recommendation made in the IOM report, which focuses on ensuring that nurses engage in lifelong learning. Accrediting bodies, schools of nursing, health care organizations, and continuing competency educators from multiple health professions should collaborate to ensure that nurses and nursing students and faculty continue their education and engage in lifelong learning to gain the competencies needed to provide care for diverse populations across the lifespan.

 

Lifelong Learning: Creating Partnerships to Build a Culture for Professional Growth  

Presented by:

Teresa Wehrwein PhD, RN, Associate Dean for Academic and Clinical Affairs Michigan State University College of Nursing    

Kathleen Kessler, MSN, RN, Director of Professional Partnerships Michigan State University College of Nursing    

Thursday, May 17, 2012  1pm - 2pm ET 

Click here to register.

The programs we will be discussing are: "Nursing for Life: RN Career Transition Program" and "Leading Toward Tomorrow: Creating a Community of Nurse Leaders" in Michigan.

Webinar Objectives:

1.   Discuss lifelong learning and strategies to engage nurses.

2.   Describe specific programs developed to support career development for practicing nurses.

3.   Explore how utilizing partnerships can leverage lifelong learning program development.

Improving Health Care in Schools: Innovative Program Integrates Electronic Records To Improve Student Health

Earlier this morning, Parmeeth M.S. Atwal, blogging for the Office of The National Coordinator, published an interview with Marie DeSisto discussing her role in implementing electronic health records (EHRs) throughout District 504's public schools. Ms. DeSisto, who is Director of Nurses at Waltham Public Schools, touched on many issues that the schools in her district experienced had when implementing and meaningfully using EHRs to improve student health. This interview sheds some light on the overlooked area of school nurses utilizing health information technologies.

We greatly encourage you to read the full interview, which you can access here.

Recognizing and Thanking Our Committed Nurses - A Letter From Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson

Yesterday, The Huffington Post, featured an Op-Ed by Representative Eddie Bernice Johnson, ranking member on the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology. Rep. Johnson discussed her past experience as a registered nurse, while also highlighting the great importance that the nursing workforce contributes to the health of the United States.
Click here to read the full Op-Ed.

It is National Nurse Week!

With Sunday, May 6th kicking off National Nurses Week, we believe it is appropriate to highlight news stories that celebrate this annual week of recognition.

On Sunday, Brittany Tyner, reporting for local CBS affiliate, WLFI 18, highlighted an annual reunion that allows for children who were once cared for in Indiana University Health Arnett's neonatal intensive care unit to meet the caregivers that greatly contributed to their childhood well-being. The annual reunion also allows for the parents of children who were cared for in the NICU to continue to express their gratitude to the nurses and physicians that helped their children start life out on the right foot.

Click here to read more about this great tradition.

Reflections on INQRI's Work - A Video Presented At Last Week's 2012 National Conference

As many of you know, or may have attended, the INQRI Program held our National Conference last week in Washington, DC. We had the pleasure of engaging the 160+ participants with panels discussing the many facets of INQRI grantees' work. One of the most talked about sessions of the conference was the introductory section, which included a video reflecting on the work of INQRI since its inception 7 years ago. The video is embedded below.



If you are looking for more resources related to the INQRI program's work you can visit our BRAND NEW website that contains a variety of videos, documents, as well as general information about the INQRI program and the grantees we have served over the years.

Young Adults Are Not The Only Ones Entering the Nursing Field

Earlier this week we discussed how young nurses are invigorating the nursing profession with their innovative ideas and upbeat spirit. Following up on this story, we also found that young adults are not the only ones improving the nursing workforce. The Daily Herald reported how many older adults are choosing nursing as their second career, as it can provide adequate job security while also giving the individuals a sense of self-worth by improving the lives of the patients they serve. There are now many programs across the country that offer accelerated nursing programs for individuals who already have a college degree in another field.

Click here to read more about how and why older students are choosing nursing.

Debate Over Nurse Administered Anesthesia Continues To Make Headlines

For those of you that follow the INQRI blog regularly, you may be familiar with our previous coverage of nurse anesthetists ability to practice without supervision recently being upheld in California. The same debate is now taking place in Colorado, with the story garnering attention from Dan Frosch's article this morning in the New York Times. Mr. Frosch first introduces the point of view of nurse anesthetists and rural health advocates who argue that by allowing nurse anesthetists to practice without direct supervision, more patients will now have access to timely anesthesia without having to travel a great distance to receive care. As with this policy's detractors in California, those in Colorado who oppose nurse anesthetists independence argue that these practitioners do not have sufficient training and expertise to deal with untimely complications.

Click here to read the full news story.

Qualified Nursing Students Turned Away Due to Lack of Faculty

A recent report by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing has found that while nursing school enrollment increased by 5.1% in 2011, over 75,000 students were not accepted due to a lack of faculty and teaching sites. The the Institute of Medicine (IOM) report Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health, addressed this issue with their fifth recommendation that aims to increase the number of nurses with doctoral degrees by two-fold in order to boost the dwindling number of qualified nurse faculty.

Click here to read more about the nursing faculty shortage from the AACN.