Genesee Valley Nurses Association

Fifteenth Annual Nursing Research & Leadership Conference

2012-02-24T06:21:00.000-08:00

Call for Poster Abstracts
ABSTRACT SUBMISSIONS DUE DATE EXTENDED

All abstracts must be received electronically by March 3, 2010
(see details below)

April 12, 2012
Rochester General Hospital
Twig Auditorium
5:00 P.M. – 8:30 P.M.
Rochester, NY

Keynote speaker: Carol Brewer, PhD, RN
Dr. Brewer will begin her presentation at 6:30 pm following a light supper and the poster session.

Poster session will begin at 5:00 P.M. (presenters should plan to arrive by 4:30 p.m.)
Poster presenters must pay the registration fee. Cost: $15.00 for students, $30.00 for all others
The cost of the light supper and CEUs are included with the registration fee..
* Free parking passes will be available

Procedure for Submission of Abstracts for the Poster Session

Participants - 2 categories

Professionals: RN’s who have completed B.S., including MS and doctoral students, Individual or team investigators. Completed research studies, Evidence-based research implementation and evaluation projects, Secondary analyses of research studies are acceptable but not literature reviews
Students: Persons enrolled in BS in Nursing programs, including RN’s. Evidence-based research or Research based projects completed In addition to the above categories,
literature reviews with analysis of evidence and recommendations for research or practice

Research must be complete at the time of abstract submission . Abstracts are limited to 300 words and must be typed on a single page (8.5 x 11 inches with 1 inch margins, 12 point font). Abstracts should include: title, researcher’s name(s) with title(s), address, e-mail address, telephone number, purpose of study, research questions, population or data sources, methods of analysis, data collection methods, and research findings. You will be contacted later for further information concerning table setup, and arrival time. Poster must be free standing on a table. If you want to hang your poster, you must bring your own easel or apparatus for display.

All abstracts must be received electronically by March 3, 2010

Send abstracts via email to: driftspray@gmail.com (Dr. Nicki Millor, DNS, RN)

For further information, contact Dr. Millor at 381-0572 or 9 Le Pere Drive, Pittsford, NY 14534

Co-Sponsors: Genesee Valley Nurses Association
                      Keuka College, Upsilon Upsilon Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau
                        Nazareth College of Rochester, Pi Psi Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau
                        Roberts Wesleyan College, Tau Xi Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau
                        St. John Fisher College, Delta Sigma Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau

Nurses, astronauts, race car teams, and airplane pilots

2012-02-09T11:57:00.000-08:00

SimulationTraining: Be Ready When It Matters Most

Guest Post by:

Sara Manning, RN, MS

Coordinatorof Clinical Laboratory Education,

Assistant Professor of Nursing,

RobertsWesleyan College

President: Simulation Educators of Western New York

Manning_sara@roberts.edu

What do nurses, astronauts, race car teams, and air planepilots all have in common? They all deal with high stakes situations where life hangs in the balance. Actual outcomes depend on the expertise,efficiency, communication, and teamwork skills of the professionals involved. Practice, drilling, training, and more practice are necessary to be prepared. These professionals all train using simulation so when it matters most, they will be ready.

Roberts Wesleyan College has embraced simulation education for nursing students. At Roberts, the clinical simulation program has been rapidly integrated into the nursing curriculum. Students have the opportunity to practice:

· Resuscitating a patient during a code and analyze their teamwork skills

· Respond when patients deteriorate and need critical intervention

· Their ability to communicate effectively in difficult situations

· Learn to support families through crises

· Skills with IV’s, medications, and patient procedures

· Develop collaboration skills like giving and receiving feedback

· Connecting classroom concepts to patient care at the bedside

· Improve interviewing skills

· Providingcaring support for patients and families experiencing life changing events.

Simulation creates realistic experiences that are artificially produced in a safe learning environment with no potential for patient harm.Performance deficiencies can be identified and worked through to optimize care during the real situations to come. Those participating can improve theirconfidence and competence while also exploring their thinking. Learners analyze what went well and what they could improve on. In nursing education, simulation is a tremendous teaching tool for practicing registered nurses as well as pre-licensure nursing students.

Patients certainly are the benefactors of simulated training in nursing. Just as NASA implemented simulation to save the lives of astronauts, nursing simulation can savepatients’ lives. NASCAR teams use simulation to save valuable time and similarly nurses learn efficiency that translates into job success and satisfaction. When an error means irreparable damage, simulation is a solution thatmakes sense. Today your healthcare professionals use simulation training to improve patient outcomes. The nursing faculty at Roberts WesleyanCollege is dedicated to educating excellent and caring nurse professionals ready for the challenges they will meet in today’s healthcare environments.

If you are interested in nursing simulation, find usefullinks and simulation training opportunities at http://simblogtechnologyineducation.blogspot.com/

The Coming Public Health Collapse

2012-02-03T05:00:00.000-08:00

Co-posted in Mitigation Journal

The Anthrax attacks that followed in the days after 9/11/01 reminded us of the need for public health emergency preparedness.

Public health efforts have vaccinated millions, crushed Polio, and eradicated Smallpox, and they've done so while operating in the background of emergency management in relative obscurity...until September, 2001. The Anthrax attacks provided a wake up call to the Nation that our public health system was vital to the effectiveness of domestic preparedness efforts. Public Health was thrust into the public safety arena. With emerging biologic threats that jumped off the pages of a novel and into reality, it looked as if public health was destined to remain a part of the new traditional responder group.

Not so fast.

In Ready or Not? 2011, Protecting the Public from Diseases, Disasters, and Bioterrorism, the Trust for Americas Health reports that "key programs that detect and respond to bioterrorism, new disease outbreaks and natural or accidental disasters are at risk due to federal and state budget cuts."

We're still searching for preparedness in America. Rather than continuing to support efforts to maintain a durable healthcare/public health preparedness system, we're going to go backwards.

"We're seeing a decade's worth of progress eroding in front of our eyes," said Jeff Levi, PhD, Executive Director of TFAH. "Preparedness had been on an upward trajectory, but now some of the most elementary capabilities - including the ability to identify and contain outbreaks, provide vaccines and medications during emergencies, and treat people during mass traumas - are experiencing cuts in every state across the country."

Here are a few examples of the capabilities that will be lost:

51 cities at risk for elimination from the Cities Readiness Initiative
10 state labs at risk for losing "Level 1" chemical testing abilities
24 states at risk to lose Career Epidemiology Field Officers
14 universities at risk to lose Preparedness and Emergency Response Learning Center funds

Why? Because when nothing happens, nothing happens. And nobody wants to pay when nothing happens. We've seen concern and hype over SARS, Avian Flu, Swine Flu - and ~~nothing~~ not much happened. Our impression of preparedness is high visibility people with uniforms, badges, guns under the failed approach of Homeland Security. Healthcare and public health operate in the background of preparedness and lack that high visibility until some biologic threat is exposed. Then, and only then, is the value of a durable healthcare/public health system realized...temporally. Katrina reminded healthcare systems to be ready. How can they be if they're not assisted with the same level of resources afforded to other Homeland Security measures?

Preparedness for biologic events, natural or intentional, requires funding to remain constant for healthcare and public health. That funding needs to be on par with other traditional response groups. Without healthcare/public health we will face what it means to live or die in disaster.

Failure to maintain healthcare/public health durability will worsen the ripple effect from biologic events by increasing strain on traditional responders and healthcare systems and by worsening the impact on special needs and at-risk populations. These things add up to poor outcomes from natural or intentional biologic events. Poor outcomes that can be predicted, and prevented if we'd change the way we think.

High Marks for New Biosecurity App

2012-01-27T04:48:00.000-08:00

Co-posted in Mitigation Journal

The Clinicians Biosecurity App for healthcare providers from the Center for Biosecurity of UPMC is one app you'll want before your next shift.

Home screen on iPad

The Center for Biosecurity of UPMC has released their latest app for iOS. The Clinicians Biosecurity Resource (CBR) App covers the basics of several diseases with feature rich content for further leaning. CBR easily overpowers their prior offering, BioAgent Facts app. Click here for my review of the BioAgnet Facts app.

Disease list on iPad

The CBR app covers six diseases with enough detail to make this a worthwhile reference to assist in the recognition of a naturally occurring or intentional biologic event. The information for each pathogen is broken down into categories and is referenced to fact sheets from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and he Center for Biosecurity. The value of the CBR app is increased substantially by the addition of sections for each pathogen on naturally occurring states, post exposure prophylaxis, personal protective equipment (PPE). The content is digestible, concise, and easily accessed through the apps interface. Images of x-ray findings are included (see Anthrax below).

Access to Biosecurity News

Notification option

You can also access Clinicians Biosecurtiy News (CBN), published twice monthly, directly from the home screen. Clicking on the wrench icon on the CBN page provides an option to be reminded about CBR updates. The information icon (i) links to the 'about' page containing a disclaimer, developer credits and additional links for reference.

Typical bioagent page layout shown below (Anthrax page as example)

The Clinicians Biosecurity Reference (CBR) will be useful for emergency medical service professionals, nursing, as well as physicians. The layout/design and feature rich content take this app above and beyond. Navigation and user interface are simple and CBR runs smoothly on iPhone/iPad running iOS 5.0.1. The color scheme is much easier to read than BioAgent Facts. I highly recommend the CBR app.

Final Score 0-5: The CBR app gets a 4.5
Content: 4.5 Solid information from a trusted resource, easy to access and scan. External links to CDC and Biosecurity News add value. CBR app can go a long way being used as reference and learning tool. Dumping the Zombie section (as seen in BioAgents Facts) and adding sections for Naturally Occurring, PPE, and Post Exposure information is a major improvement.

Aesthetics/graphics: 4.0 Detailed graphics and color combinations that are easy on the eyes.

Ease of Use: 4.5 I found the tabs/buttons easy to navigate. Text is clear with pleasing color combinations. Stable on an iPhone/iPad (iOS 5.0.1) there is no clear support/FAQ available.

Wishlist for CBR:
Allow screens to rotate. This would be especially helpful for iPhone.
Enable gestures. Again, a big advantage for iPhone

Luncheon at Susan B. Anthony House

2012-01-23T06:10:00.000-08:00

Click image to register

The Susan B. Anthony House Annual Birthday Luncheon will be held on Wednesday, February 15, 2012 from noon to 1:30 pm ant the Rochester Riverside Convention Center.

The House proudly presents Arild Remmereit as their keynote speaker. Mr. Remmereit was named the 11th music director of the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra. To honor his new city and its international distinction as the longtime home of Susan B. Anthony, Arild is featuring women composers in each concert this year.

Join us in celebrating Susan B. Anthony's 192 birthday. Mr. Remmereit will inspire and enlighten you, with the same passion he brings to his conducting, about talented yet often overlooked women artists who broke new ground just as Susan B. Anthony did.

Individual tickets are available for $60, tables of 10 for $600. Please contact Luanne Strasenburgh should you need further information. You can reach her at lstrasenburgh@susanbanthonyhouse.org or at 585-279-7490 x12.

JC: Fight Fatigue, Reduce Error

2012-01-20T05:00:00.000-08:00

The Joint Commission says fatigue risks patient care

The Joint Commission has issued a position warning healthcare agencies to fight medical errors by fighting fatigue. Citing the link between health care worker fatigue and adverse patient care events, the Joint Commission revisted the issue of exteneded shifts and fatigue in a recent Sentinel Event Alert.

According to the Joint Commission:

Fatigue resulting from an inadequate amount of sleep or insufficient quality of sleep over an extended period can lead to a number of problems, including:

lapses in attention and inability to stay focused
reduced motivation
compromised problem solving
confusion
irritability
memory lapses
impaired communication
slowed or faulty information processing and judgment
diminished reaction time
indifference and loss of empathy

In 2007, the JC noted that strong evidence exists linking medical error, fatigue, and extended duration shifts. The findings indicate that exteded shift and night shift workers make 36% more serious preventable adverse errors than others and have a 61% more needlestick or sharps injuries.

The take home message is that healthcare organizations need to assess the shift work/hours worked environment in their institutions for patient and provider safety. Key to reducing errors is to provide a culture of proactive safety. Staff should be able to express concerns about fatigue in the same way they would express concern if a colleague were impaired by intoxication.

Read The Joint Commission News Item/Action Alert: Click here
Direct Download Sentinel Event Alert: Click here

Four Drugs Cause Most Problems for Seniors

2012-01-13T05:00:00.000-08:00

A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine indicates that four medications cause the most adverse drug reactions resulting in hospitalization of seniors. According the CDC study and Medscape article, two thirds of the 100,000 hospitalizations of seniors each year are caused by Adverse Drug Reactions (ADR) involving anticoagulants and diabetic medications.

According to the CDC website, four medications, used alone or together, accounted for two–thirds of the emergency hospitalizations:

33 percent, or 33,171 emergency hospitalizations, involved warfarin, a medication used to prevent blood clots.

14 percent involved insulins. Insulin injections are used to control blood sugar in people who have diabetes.

13 percent involved antiplatelet drugs, such as aspirin or clopidogrel, which prevent platelets, or pieces of blood cells from clumping together to start a clot.

11 percent involved diabetes medications that are taken by mouth, called oral hypoglycemic agents.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention define an Adverse Drug Events (ADE’s) as a serious health problem, and have published the following Key Facts on Medication Safety:

It is estimated that:

82% of American adults take at least one medication and 29% take five or more [1];

700,000 emergency department visits and 120,000 hospitalizations are due to ADEs annually [2];

$3.5 billion is spent on extra medical costs of ADEs annually [3];

At least 40% of costs of ambulatory (non-hospital settings) ADEs are estimated to be preventable [3].

The numbers of adverse drug events will likely grow due to:

Development of new medications
Discovery of new uses for older medications
Aging American population
Increase in the use of medications for disease prevention
Increased coverage for prescription medications

For more on this topic, visit the CDC Medication Safety Program.

Roberts Wesleyan College Master of Science Nursing

2012-01-12T15:32:00.000-08:00

You are invited!

Master ofScience in Nursing

InformationMeeting

Wednesday January 25^th 5-6pm

and afterwards, visit the

TeachingToolbox Fair

to learn creative teaching strategies from

current MS in Nursing Education students

sign up now: www.roberts.edu/infomeetings

27th Annual Genesee Valley Nurses Association Legislative Reception

2012-01-12T15:07:00.000-08:00

Save the date, mark your calendar today!

27th Annual Genesee Valley Nurses Association

Legislative Reception

Thursday, February 16, 2012

7pm to 8:30pm

St. John Fisher College
Wilson Formal Lounge/Haffey Hall
3690 East Avenue
Rochester N.Y. 14618

6:45-7 p.m. Registration and Refreshments
7-8:30 p.m. Presentation on RHIO*
Introduction of Legislators
Networking

Come hear about the development of Rochester’s Regional Health Information Organization that offers Real Time “Person Centered”Electronic Medical Information across all health care systems.

Nurses and nursing students from nursing specialty organizations, schools and health care agencies will have the opportunity to meet with their elected representatives and discuss our health care concerns. Legislators from the GVNA’s seven-county region will be invited. Refreshments will be provided. Please remember to wear your name tag.

Contact GVNA at gvna@gvna.us with questions

Educational materials will be available at the registration table and on the GVNA Website

Directions: Wilson Formal Lounge in is Haffey Hall on the campus map (#13—near Security #26). Attendees may park in Lot C or Lot D. If using the main entrance--follow the campus ring road to the left to Lot C. Use the walkway in front of the Wegmans School of Nursing to enter Haffey near the bookstore. If using the east entrance--park in Lot D and enter Haffey by steps near the Security Office. Link to the campus map: http://www.sjfc.edu/global/pdf/ParkingMap.pdf

GVNA Meet and Greet

2011-11-30T02:56:00.001-08:00

Don't miss this!

RSVP by December 6. 2011

Send RSVP via email to: members@gvna.us

RSVP by December 6. 2011

Send RSVP via email to: members@gvna.us

Traditional lectures find new life in "new media"

2011-11-28T07:00:00.000-08:00

Co-posted at Mitigation Journal

Using multi-media and internet strategies to reach today's nursing students.

I stumbled on this topic while reading one of my favorite blogs, Life in the Fast Lane. The post, Peer Reviewed Lectures, really caught my attention. As a semi-pro blogger and podcast host, I truly appreciate (and honestly believe in) the incredible value of multiple instructional strategies and web-based interaction. Traditional topics will find new life when a "new media" twist is applied. All you have to do is embrace the New Media delivery!

This video from Academic Emergency Medicine outlines criteria for peer reviewed lectures.

Peer Reviewed Lectures from Academic Emergency Medicine on Vimeo.

Continuing education becomes cutting edge and lecture content can be taken at-will or on demand to satisfy specific needs. This New Media approach also reaches out (and grabs on to) the Millennial Generation as well as those who want that convenience offered by this media. In the video below, Danielle Hart, MD (Hennepin County Medical Center Department of Emergency Medicine) outlines the learning style differences between various generations and how this non-traditional instructional tool bridges the educational gap.

The Millennial Generation & "The Lecture" from Academic Emergency Medicine on Vimeo.

For more on this and other topics, please support Life in the Fast Lane

Emergency Preparedness for Nurses

2011-11-28T06:00:00.000-08:00

Co-posted on Mitigation Journal
7 things you need to know...and why you need to know them

#1. Understand the broad scope of threats and trends in your community.

#2. Know your internal emergency plans.

#3 Have a basic understanding of the Hospital Incident Command System.

#4. Know the special resources of your institution and those around you.

#5. Know how to prepare yourself and your family for community emergencies...and do it.

#6. Recognize incident indicators, signs/symptoms and heralding events that foretell a problem. In other words, pay attention to what's going on around you...even when you're off duty.

#7. Get better accuainted with your Personal Protective Equipment. Even the stuff you use every day.

Guess whats on you phone...

2011-11-21T17:33:00.001-08:00

E. Coli on the list of nasty bugs in your contact list!

Think about this the next time you put your phone to your face -

A study published in October, 2011, found that 92% of cellular phones are contaminated with nasty bacteria...including E. Coli. The cause of the contamination is people using their phones while in the restroom. Texting while toileting has been identified as a contributing factor.

According to research conducted by the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine and Queen Mary, University of London:

92% of phones had bacteria on them.
82% of hands had bacteria on them.
16% of hands and 16% of phones had E. coli bacteria.

How do you decontaminate your phone/handheld device after use in the clinical environment?

Read the full article from Medscape here.

Public Health Nurse, part-time. Ontario County Public Health

2011-11-18T09:24:00.001-08:00

Ontario County Public Health: part-time Public Health Nursing position. Interested applicants can contact Barbara Roszak Director of Preventive Health Services for more information.

Barbara Roszak
Director of Preventive Health Services
Ontario County Public Health
3019 County Complex Drive
Canandaigua NY 14424
(585) 396-4550

Roberts Wesleyan College Master of Science in Nursing Leadership & Administration

2011-11-18T09:20:00.001-08:00

Masterof Science in Nursing Leadership & Administration andMaster of Science in Nursing Education

InformationMeeting Schedule

Tuesday, December 6, 2011 5:00pm— 6:00 pm

Wednesday, January 25, 2011 5:00pm— 6:00 pm

Thursday, February 16, 2011 5:00pm— 6:00 pm

Tuesday, March 6, 2011 5:00pm— 6:00 pm

Location

RobertsWesleyan College Campus

RinkerCommunity Service Center Room 203

President’sBoard Room

Contactthe Graduate Nursing Office

2301Westside Drive

Rochester,New York 14624

585.594.6686

Becker_Jennifer@Roberts.edu

Being a Nurse is 90% Calling and 10% Job

2011-11-07T07:12:00.000-08:00

I'm not sure who put this video together but it is worth watching.

GVNA Membership/Renewal Moves On-Line

2011-11-06T06:12:00.000-08:00

Reducing paper and streamlining our membership/renewal process

A message from:

Veronica Scott-Bliss, RN-BC, BSN

GVNA Membership Liaison

Genesee Valley Nurses Association is currently updating a number of processes that required the use of paper products, postal service and ongoing administrative support. Our Board has decided to go green. As a result, we are no longer supplying membership cards in hard copy.

We are asking all members to please provide a valid e-mail address to GVNA Board to ensure timely communication and information. For example upcoming events and the newsletter will now be on our website.

Going forward renewal will occur on your birthday month. Please provide your name and birthday month to the membership committee as soon as possible. Current membership will expire on December 31, 2011. You may join GVNA anytime throughout the year.

We ask for you patience while we arrange for individual electronic confirmation of membership through our website.

Note: A video has been published to help you through the on-line registration/renewal process.Click here for the GVNA membership "how to" or view the video in the right sidebar.

On-Line Membership at GVNA

2011-11-06T05:57:00.000-08:00

On-Line Membership form now available on our home page at www.gvna.us

Factors in Nursing Retention

2011-10-31T06:00:00.000-07:00

Predictors of Registered Nurses' Willingness to Remain in Nursing (Jane Marie Kirschling, DNS, RN, FAAN; Charles Colgan, PhD; Bruce Andrews, PhD, Posted: 09/22/2011; Nurs Econ. 2011;29(3):111-117. © 2011 Jannetti Publications, Inc.) Click here for full text from Medscape.

The authors indicate the current National standard RN ratio is 780 RN's per 100,000 population. To maintain the current ratio they estimate a shortage of 260,000 RN's by 2025.

The authors cite high stress work environments and an increasing use of technology as major factors in the decision to retire or leave the ranks of Professional Nursing. They also suggest that as nurses 40 years and older seek employment in lower acuity areas. A majority of those studied were over the age of forty and considered part of the baby-boom generation and thought to reflect trends in other workforce populations.

According to Norman and colleagues (2005), based on their national survey of 1,783 nurses:

"Beyond focusing on retaining older RNs, it is important that employers initiate strategies to retain RNs who are approaching their 40s. Data in this survey showed that, as RNs enter their 4th decade, there is a strong tendency to shift employment into non-acute care settings. Strategies should be developed and tested that encourage retention in direct patient-care positions in acute care environments (p. 289)."

What will it take to keep you in nursing? According to Predictors of Registered Nurses' Willingness to Remain in Nursing, scheduling may be the key to retention of the nursing workforce. The authors found that flexible scheduling and self scheduling are valued by today's RN's. They also suggest that 12 hour shifts are less fatiguing than 8 hour shifts.

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/746222

BioAgent Facts app Review

2011-10-09T09:59:00.000-07:00

The opinions expressed in this review are solely those of the author.
Review by Rick Russotti, RN, EMTP

BioAgent Facts app image UPMC

BioAgent Facts app from the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) provides facts about diseases that could be encountered as a result of a naturally occurring event or intentional release. UPMC hosts the Center for Biosecurity and publishes several on-line publications such as Biosecurity News Today and Clinicians' Biosecurity News. I'm a subscriber to the UPMC/Biosecurity newsletter and familiar with their content quality.

Below is the text description of the BioAgent Facts app as given in the iTunes Store:

BioAgent Facts gives you facts about pathogens that could cause serious disease resulting from a natural epidemic or use as a biological weapon. This new app is offered by the Center for Biosecurity of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) for those interested in learning more about these important diseases and the threat of bioterrorism. iTunes description

Overview:

BioAgent Facts screenshot (UPMC/iTunes)

BioSecurity Facts are listed for each pathogen convered. The pathogens covered in this release are:

Anthrax
Botulism
Flu
Plague
SARS
Smallpox
Tularemia
Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers (VHF)
and...Zombies? (Yes, Zombies)

Facts for each pathogen are categorized by tabs for:

Background
Illness
Treatment

Background information includes further details on transmission and potential for use as a bioweapon.

Background screen (iTunes/UPMC)

Under the illness tab the user will find general signs and symptoms for each pathogen and variations. As with Anthrax and Plague, for example, the various types have their own subcategories.

The treatment tab includes information on prophylaxis, vaccine, as well as decontamination and personal protection as appropriate for each pathogen. BioAgent Facts app users are reminded to contact local health departments for more information during a confirmed biological attack and encouraged to report to your local hospital if you think you've been exposed, or exhibit unusual signs or symptoms.

Generally speaking, information in this app is well defined and the content written for those of use without advanced microbiology degrees. The source (UPMC) is a trusted authority and the facts are consistant with other sources including the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions Bioterrorism Agents/Diseases page.

The graphics and color choices used in the BioAgent Facts app are appealing, albeit somewhat spooky. The app is rated 9+ by iTunes for Infrequent/Mild Horror/Fear Themes. (Click here learn more about iTunes ratings) While the graphics/color scheme are engaging, I found the white text on blue background difficult to read. Use of the app was complicated by the inability to re-size the screen with gestures and small text.

Although the pathogens included in this release are potential threats, Dengue Fever and West Nile Virus may be timely additions. The "special feature" on Zombies is a complete waste of valuable real estate in this app. With all respect to popular culture, including zombies in BioAgent Facts diminishes the value and credibility of the app. The section dedicated to Zombies would be better served by including details of personal protective equipment such as N95 masks, guidelines for hand hygiene, respiratory etiquette, and appropriate social distancing during a biologic event. A segment on the importance/risks/benefits of vaccines would be more appropriate use of space as well.

BioAgent Facts is compatable with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad with iOS 4.2 or later. I'm running this app on an iPhone4 with iOS 4.2. Its stable and runs quickly. The link for BioAgent Facts Support on iTunes links back to the UPMC homepage where the BioAgent Facts app icon has you running in circles back to iTunes. There is no mention of versions, additional features or anticipated upgrades.

Review summary:
I'd like to see more detail and better use of information. Telling people to report to your local hospital may not be the action to take in many biologic situation and contacting the local health department may be impossible. The inclusion of a Zombie category lowers credibility, too. Dumping the Zombies and adding personal protection information or vaccine facts, and provide links for information rather than reporting to hospital or contact health department makes this a 4.0 app! I would not recommend this version BioAgent Facts for anything more than casual use.

I found the tabs/buttons too small and kept hitting the info button when trying to tap the home tab. Text is too small and white text on blue background was hard to read. Although stable on an iPhone (iOS 4.2) there is no clear support/FAQ available.

Nurses and Communication

2011-10-03T13:47:00.000-07:00

Nurses provide numerous critical patient care services. Quite often, vital tasks are conducted in a multitasking environment...as we all know too well. We're used to doing several things at one time, but are we aware of all of them?

This piece, Communication in Nursing, from Nursetogether (Lanette L. Anderson, MSN, JD, BBA, RN, speaker, writer and educator) exposes one area of nursing that my not be at the front of our awareness...communication.

Communication in the therapeutic situation is a vital component of nursing care and, while not as glamorous as other nursing actions, can impact patient care. In fact, nursing communication can make or brake relationships with families and patients as well as other health care professionals.

Communication in Nursing outlines the three components in nursing communication: the sender, the receiver, and the message. The author also reminds us of the potential negative outcomes that can be a result of a breakdown in communication.

Communication in Nursing reminds us of the importance of our communication...verbal and non-verbal...in a concise read.

Illustrated Guide to Good Nutrition

2011-10-01T15:06:00.000-07:00

From MedScape: Illustrated Guide to Good Nutrition (direct link: http://www.medscape.org/features/slideshow/749584#1)

This CME is a nice teaching tool and lets you download the slides! I found it useful and informative.

California Nurses Association stages strike. Lockout, death follows

2011-09-26T06:06:00.000-07:00

23,000 California Nurses Association members staged a one day strike on September 22, 2011.

The issues, according to the California Nurses Association website:

Sutter RNs are protesting 200 sweeping demands by Sutter executives that would:
Restrict their ability to effectively advocate for patients
Effectively force nurses to work when sick, dangerously exposing extremely ill patients to infection.
Sharply reduce nurses’ healthcare coverage and retiree health benefits.
The Sutter RNs are also protesting years of widespread cuts in patient care services...

and further:

"Sutter is making these demands and cutting services despite amassing $3.7 billion in profits the past half decade. Sutter pays 20 top executives more than $1 million in salaries."

Source: California Nurses Association

The strike impacted 33 not-for-profit hospitals run by Kaiser Permanente and Sutter Health in Oakland, CA. The strike was supposed to end the next day with nurses returning to work by 7am September 23.

That didn't happen. The nurses did not return to work.

Instead, Sutter Health locked out the nurses. One death is being blamed on this situation; a cancer patient died after what hospital officials are calling a "freak accident" by a replacement medical worker. The California Nurses Association claims that the death would not have occurred if they had not been locked out by the hospital.

According to the Associated Press, the patient was given a "non-prescribed dosage" of a medication by a replacement worker. The story doesn't identify the replacement worker as a Registered Nurse.

More information/Links:
Press release from California Nurses Association

Strike on local Fox affiliate

California Nurses Association strike on Huffington Post. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/09/23/california-nurses-strike-across-california_n_978131.html

Nursing blogger comments on Madness: Tales of an emergency room nurse on the nurses strike
Death as result of lock-out that followed strike http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2011/09/26/MNE31L9DP6.DTL

YouTube video posted on the California Nurses Association website

September Greetings from the GVNA President

2011-09-19T05:11:00.000-07:00

Jackie Sayer Dorsey, MS, RN, ANP
President Genesee Valley Nurses Association

Every two years, a new GVNA president carries on locally with the mission and vision of the New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA). I eagerly move into this position poised to continue the job of the amazing presidents before me. Let me tell you a little about myself ………..I have been a member of GVNA for several years serving on the nominating committee before becoming a board member. I am an adult nurse practitioner currently working as an Assistant Professor of Nursing at Monroe Community College. I also work per diem as a staff nurse at Rochester General Hospital.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you our past president, Louise Amberger and the board for working so diligently over the past two years to successfully move GVNA forward technologically and for instituting cost-effective measures that will hopefully allow us to present programs at a more affordable cost to our members. Louise has worked tirelessly for our organization and has been an excellent role model of leadership for our board.

Our board consists of a few new members and we will showcase them in our upcoming newsletters. We are enthused and energized to help our organization grow and promote the interests of RN’s and their patients. Our board will continue to review the GVNA Strategic Plan and By-laws and offer educational and legislative events that interest our members. Additionally, I am committed to increasing our membership, especially encouraging the newest nurses to become involved. This goal will require all of us as GVNA members to talk about the organization with co-workers, nursing students and new graduates of our local programs. I am hopeful that our organizations’ presence can be felt and observed in our area colleges and medical facilities as we share the message of NYSNA. I will continue to communicate the progress of this goal in future newsletters.

Please visit our website for important information and updates to our events calendar. We will be sending out an email soon with the list of our upcoming events and the date of our annual fall business meeting. Lastly, please become involved with your time and or talents. We have many opportunities and we welcome your support. We have several committees that are in need of YOU!!! Please feel free to contact us at gvna@gvna.us

Be well,
Jackie Sayre Dorsey, MS, RN, ANP

Carbon Monoxide - a poison for all seasons

2011-09-19T05:10:00.000-07:00

Rick Russotti

Carbon monoxide exposure is one of the most common poisonings in the United States. Although we often think of CO is a “winter time” problem, carbon monoxide exposure and poisonings can take place at any time of the year. Carbon monoxide exposure incidents tend to increase during the winter months and we see an increase in these events at any time when a population uses auxiliary heating or power generating equipment; such as seen during major power failures or natural disasters.

Carbon monoxide is known as the “Great Imitator” and can mimic a variety of other medical problems such as cold and flu. In fact a study done in 2006 indicated that one in four patients presenting to a hospital with cold and flu symptoms actually had carbon monoxide exposure. Carbon monoxide has also been linked to cardiac events after chronic exposure. Failure to recognize the potential of carbon monoxide exposure can lead to a deadly missed diagnosis. In some cases, carbon monoxide exposure and poisoning has been mistaken for substance abuse.
Common signs and symptoms of carbon monoxide exposure include headache, drowsiness, confusion, tachycardia. Continued exposure to carbon monoxide also lead to impaired thinking and sensory perception. These effects of carbon monoxide reduce the ability of a person to recognize a hazard or self rescue from an environment.

Symptoms of carbon monoxide differ from person to person and level of exposure. Mild exposures (15 to 20% COHb) symptoms may include headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and blurred vision. Moderate exposure is defined as 21 to 40% COHb and may present as confusion, syncope, chest pain, dyspnea, and general weakness. The severe exposure (41 to 59% COHb) may result in myocardial ischemia, rhythm disturbances seizures, and respiratory as well as cardiac arrest. Exposures to levels of carbon monoxide greater than 60% are usually considered fatal. It's important to note that CO exposure and COHb levels do not have the same symptoms with all patients.

Carbon monoxide alarm technology is reliable and found in many residential and commercial structures. In general, there are two types of carbon monoxide detection equipment. The first type is known is a biomimetic style detector. This type of detector uses a synthetic hemoglobin that reacts to acute and chronic carbon monoxide. Biomimetic style detectors are very common and usually resemble smoke alarms or are manufactured in combination with a smoke alarm. These units typically have a module sensor built-in the battery compartment. Some of the most common manufacturers estimate a module life of two years and a total unit life of 10 years. This type of carbon monoxide detector can be influenced greatly by exposure to cooking products.

Another style of carbon monoxide alarm is the semiconductor style. this style of alarm uses an electronic sensor to measure carbon monoxide and is typically plugged into a power outlet or other power supply. The general recommendation is that the unit be replaced every 5 to 10 years. Most carbon monoxide alarms activate at an estimated 10% of carboxylhemoglobin or 100 ppm of carbon monoxide.

Are are a few carbon monoxide tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

Do have your heating system, water heater and any other gas, oil, or coal burning appliances serviced by a qualified technician every year.

Do install a battery-operated CO detector in your home and check or replace the battery when you change the time on your clocks each spring and fall. If the detector sounds leave your home immediately and call 911.

Do seek prompt medical attention if you suspect CO poisoning and are feeling dizzy, light-headed, or nauseous.

Don't use a generator, charcoal grill, camp stove, or other gasoline or charcoal-burning device inside your home, basement, or garage or near a window.

Don't run a car or truck inside a garage attached to your house, even if you leave the door open.

Don't burn anything in a stove or fireplace that isn't vented.

Don't heat your house with a gas oven.

For more on carbon monoxide, please visit Mitigation Journal or the CDC Carbon Monoxide Poisoning page at http://www.cdc.gov/co/default.htm# or contact Rick Russotti at russotti.rick@gmail.com

2011-09-13T10:10:00.001-07:00

Welcome to the Genesee Valley Nurses Association!

We arethe professional association for Registered Nurses in all specialties,from all practice sites with all levels of education in Allegheny,Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Seneca, Wayne, and Yates counties.

GVNA is District 2 of the New York State NursesAssociation (NYSNA). Registered Nurses may join GVNA directly ($50) orhave a membership to both NYSNA and GVNA (rate varies with region).Join us and continue your learning or network with other nurses in theGVNA seven- county region. Learn about health care and health policyadvocacy. Get involved.We have numerous opportunities throughout the year for RegisteredNurses that want to network with others and also desire to learn hownursing is moving with the times. Watch the website for announcementsabout dinner meetings, continuing education offerings, LegislativeReceptions, Candidates’ Nights and social events. Consider running foroffice or working with us on an ad hoc basis.

We welcome all registered nurses and want you to knowyour voice and your ideas do matter. Your talents and abilities arewelcome and we look forward to working with you on what matters most innursing today. Email gvna@gvna.us or call meat (585)292-2463 to find out how youcan get involved.

Jackie Sayre Dorsey, MS, RN, ANP
President, GVNA

Linda Janelli on Belize

2011-09-12T05:03:00.000-07:00

Linda Janelli

I find it difficult to believe that I have been to Belize five times. The most recent trip was made this past March. All the trips have been made under the auspices of InterVol which is a voluntary organization that is affiliated with Rochester General Hospital.
The organization collects medical supplies for third world countries and also provides medical services to those countries. Why do I keep going back? The short answer is that I see positive changes occurring with each visit. The people are warm, welcoming and appreciative – that is why I believe in Belize.

The Department of Nursing’s curriculum at Nazareth College is framed within Leininger’s Transcultural Model. As a faculty member I wanted to not only talk about how the model can be used, but I wanted to provide an opportunity for students to be exposed to other cultures – to be pushed out of their comfort zone. Initially, I did not know where Belize was even located – I thought it might be an island. Belize is located on the Caribbean coast of northern Central America. It shares a border on the north with Mexico, on the south with Guatemala, and to the east is the Caribbean Sea with the second largest barrier reef in the world. Belize is slightly larger than Massachusetts.
Once I found out the location of Belize, my next concern was I do not speak Spanish! As it turns out this was not a problem because Belize use to be British Honduras and English is what is taught in the schools. Belize is a tiny, third world country with a population of only about 312,971. – A jungle once you drive out of Belize City. There are “lobster claw”, philodendron and bougainvillea flowers blooming everywhere. The main industry is tourism. Belize City is right on the coast and is where cruise ships dock. Further south is Dangriga where there are coral reefs and this area is known for snorkeling and scuba diving. What is amazing to me is that Belize is a very multicultural country with Mayans, Garinagu (mixture of African and Caribbean ancestry), Mennonites, Asians and Europeans all working and living together.

My expertise is in geriatrics, and therefore I wanted to do volunteer work in that arena. There are only three nursing homes in Belize. One in Belize City, one in Belmopan, the capital and one in San Ignacio near the Guatemala border. InterVol recommended Octavia Waight Centre in San Ignacio and it turned out to be the right fit. I have since visited the other nursing homes which are below standard and would not be good learning experiences for students. The first three trips I only took graduate students in the NP program, and now I am taking undergraduate students so the focus has altered somewhat.

With each trip I have gained knowledge and have been able to adapt. For example, the first trip we were located at a resort in Belmopan which was an hour away from Octavia Waight not to mention expensive. So now we stay at a former monastery in Santa Elena the sister-town to San Ignacio. It is like staying in a dorm – comfortable and clean but no air conditioning, but for $12.50 a night we can not complain.

Octavia Waight Centre (named after a former midwife who did much to provide health care in the area) has 27 beds with rooms that open up into a covered veranda. Florence Nightingale would be pleased with this fresh air approach. Two beds have been designated for hospice. The facilities motto is “It’s your turn tomorrow, so help the aged today”. In September Octavia Waight will celebrate its 25th anniversary! The Centre is supported by the Belizean government, but must receive donations and some monies from families in order to operate. The facility is always making improvements –currently they are expanding the Physical Therapy Room. While there are no Registered Nurses on staff, the facility would not be able to function without Dorothee Roth, RN, a retired missionary nurse from Switzerland. Dorothee has been instrumental in the quality of care that the residents receive. Dorothee acts as our liaison and lets us know what the needs of the residents are. The staff that provides the direct care learns through on-the-job training, unlike in the States where there are certified programs that must be attended. What the staff lacks in formal training they more than make-up for it in their caring approach with each resident. Each resident is treated with dignity as if they were a family member. No pressure ulcers here!

Like the nursing homes in the States, the Centre faces many challenges such as dealing with Alzheimer’s which can lead to wandering off the premises, not having sufficient staff or medical resources. With each visit we load our suitcases with items that the Centre can use from medications, enemas, incontinent pads, dressings, to blood pressure cuffs, stethoscopes and even a pulse oximeter. What do we do at the Centre? We jump in with both feet so that we use our week wisely. We have completed physical exams and from the data develop plans of care that are culturally appropriate. We have taught the staff how to take blood pressures; provided in-service education e.g. on importance of hand washing; inspected and irrigated ears; and participated in recreational activities with the residents. We even helped in the kitchen by washing dishes and preparing the vegetables.
For the past three years we have been bringing much needed school supplies to the Howard Smith Nazarene Primary School located in Benque Viejo not far from the Centre. The school has approximately 500 students so are gifts just make a small dent but the appreciation is so great. Each time we visit, the students sing for us – you come away feeling humbled by the experience. We always wish we could bring more and each year we do try!

To become immersed in the culture we eat where many of the locals eat, and go to the open market to buy fruit. In the past we have visited the Belize Zoo, the Blue Hole, caves, the National Park of Tikal which is in Guatemala, the Mayan ruins, the Five Sisters Waterfalls, and of course went shopping. The Maya civilization spread over Belize beginning around 1500 BC and then disappeared about A.D. 800. This year we went to Cahal Pech, a Mayan archeological site not far from San Ignacio. Another larger ruin which requires a ferry ride is Xunantunich. While I have been to this ruin five times it is still has the power to astonish me with the view of El Castillo, which is 130 feet above the main plaza. We visited the Iguana Conservation Project and learned all about the baby iguanas and then went on a medicine trail to learn about the use of plants and roots. We even tasted termites – I have eaten worse.

Leaving Belize at the end of the week is never easy. We have touched many lives and they in turn have touched us. On return to the States, one has a new appreciation for the resources and riches we have. The students often state that it has been a life altering experience, one they won’t soon forget. If you want to learn more about Belize, and/or how you may be able to help, contact me at ljanell6@naz.edu.

Linda Janelli

Center for Health and Behavioral Training offered

2011-09-05T05:03:00.000-07:00

Center for Health and Behavioral Training is offering the following two programs.

STD Intensive Care Course is scheduled for October 25-27, 2011 at the Center for Health and Behavioral Training, 853 West Main Street in Rochester, NY.

STD/HIV Mini-Residency Program will be conducted based on participant availability at the Center for Health and Behavioral Training, 853 West Main Street in Rochester, NY

For additional information and to register, contact the Center for Health and Behavioral Training or call 585-753-5382.