What’s New at NPAGR:
February 2012 Edition
February 6th, 2012
 

       1.       Website renovation:

Our expert Webmaster has updated the website. Look for pictures and a brief bio of your Board of Directors. Click on the Leadership tab atop the webpage.


2.       Future of Nursing Update: There are a total of eight recommendations from the Institute of Medicine’s Future of Nursing Report. Over the next few months, this update will focus on a recommendation and what the Finger Lakes Action Coalition is doing to achieve results.  One of the key messages of the Future of Nursing Report is that Nurses should practice to the full extent of their education and training.


This month, the focus is on Recommendation #1: Scope of Practice which recommends that we act to Remove scope-of-practice barriers. Advance practice registered nurses (APRNs) should be able to practice to the full extent of their education and training.  This recommendation is one that NPAGR members should be quite familiar with, as the NPA has been actively involved in legislative efforts to support full scope of practice activities for APRNs through the patient access bill (removal of mandated collaborative practice agreements). Despite efforts over the past 3-4 years, many nurses, NPs and the public do not understand the limits that mandated collaborative practice place on NPs and in turn, how it limits NP access to patients and how they practice.  The Action Coalition is working on developing several clear “talking points” to help you help others understand the current barriers to NP practice. Dr. Deb Gates and Dr. Heather Cook-Smith are co-leading the Finger Lakes Action Coalition team on Removal of Scope-of-Practice Barriers. Members include….    Finally, the IOM Report and the recommendation about removing scope- of- practice barriers does not only relate to APRN practice. It also seeks to support RN practice including RNFAs who are not able to fully practice based on organizational restrictions (these tighter restrictions are not mandated by state regulations).

3.       Programs:  
Speaking of working toward removing barriers, please come to the GVNA Legislative Reception (the NPAGR is a co-sponsor) on Thursday, February 17th  from 7pm to 8:30 pm.

4.       Do you work with adults who are depressed? Come and hear Dr. Cheema present on a new treatment for adult depression: Viibryd. Meet at Rooney’s on Monday February 27th. See the website for further details.

5.       We are planning ahead for a membership meeting in the Spring. Mark your calendars for Wednesday April 11th The preceptor now has two students; Adolfo  has 1 12 hour shift  at 5:30 pm for meeting about the nuts and bolts of effective interaction with your legislators. This is an election year, so now is the time to hone these skills! The program “Developing your political savvy: Understanding the legislative process and how to work with your legislators to promote nursing” will be held at the Wegmans School of Nursing at St. John Fisher College. Mel Callan and Marilyn Dollinger will explain how to get your voice heard and get action on the issues you care about!  A wine and cheese reception will follow.