The Pulse - May 2014

THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE MONTANA NURSES ASSOCIATION 

 

 

Quarterly circulation approximately 17,000 to all RNs, LPNs, and Student Nurses in Montana. 

Labor Retreat 2014 

Page 4 

Executive Director Report 

Nursing Professor Recognized as 

a Top Program Faculty Leader 

Page 11 

CAHN Nomination Honors 

Montana Nurse 

Page 11 

Caring for Our Profession! 

Lori Chovanak, MN, RN 

Executive Director 

Montana Nurses Association 

Engaging membership 

in the Montana Nurses 

Association is beneficial to 

you as a registered nurse 

but also to your patients and 

your communities. Joining 

your professional association 

means you are taking charge 

of your nursing career and 

“caring” for your profession. 

We all know the 

Lori Chovanak 

importance of caring for 

our patients and as nurses 

we take that very seriously. We know we are 

accomplishing our responsibility as a professional 

nurse if we devote all our skills and abilities into 

enhancing the lives of those who are sick and 

protecting the health of all through preventative 

measures. This is the core of our work. 

What about “caring” for our profession? How 

can we accomplish the care we know our patients 

and communities deserve if we are not afforded 

the resources and leverage to provide it? This is 

the question we should all be asking ourselves 

as professional nurses when considering the 

membership of our professional organization. 

I challenge you to ask yourself the following 

questions: 

 

progresses into the future to adapt with 

changes in healthcare? 

 

registered nurse in both the state and 

national political arenas to affect legislative 

and statutory language impacting nursing? 

Impacting health care? Impacting patients? 

 

privilege to practice independently and with 

prescriptive authority when many other states 

are still trying to accomplish those privileges? 

 

your professional voice is being heard and 

affecting positive change in your employment 

setting? 

 

professional nurse when you have the need or 

desire to address an issue or lead a change? 

 

in addressing your professional concerns? 

 

information on the current issues facing the 

nursing profession and hear about the steps 

being taken to address any of the issues? 

 

educational opportunities that are available 

to you for professional development and 

continuing education? 

When you consider the above questions 

please be acutely aware that this is all work 

that is accomplished successfully through the 

Montana Nurses Association and ALL professional 

organizations that are affiliated with nursing. This 

is the mechanism of our democratic society that 

affords us the freedom to support our future and 

 

registered nurses are choosing a willful naivety to 

professional responsibility. Consider association 

dues as a fee for protecting your professional 

 

you to better “care” for your patients and “care” for 

yourself as a professional nurse. 

If you consider paying dues and contributing 

to the work of your professional organization “too 

 

 

the reality of your disengagement. Our freedoms 

to influence the progression of anything political 

LIKE “Montana 

Nurses Association” Executive Director’s Report continued on page 2 

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downloadable information.

Page 2 Montana Nurses Association Pulse May, June, July 2014 

Is there something you would like to 

see in upcoming editions of the Pulse? 

Would you like to submit something for 

 

If you have any questions please call the 

 

or Kim@mtnurses.org. 

ATTENTION!! 

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Please call 406-228-9541 or visit us online at 

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Executive Director’s Report continued from page 1 

is the fabric of our existence. As citizens and 

 

 

 

 

I encourage and challenge ALL nurse 

professionals to join the work of a professional 

association! If the only time you have is enough 

 

do have the time to contribute to the work. If we 

share in the effort of protecting and promoting 

 

that we are not only the most trusted profession 

but also the profession that comes together as a 

 

care is provided as a right and not a privilege; and 

that being a nurse is more than a job. It is a life 

 

 

integrity of ensuring the best quality of life for all. 

www.mtnurses.org 

Published by: 

Arthur L. Davis 

Publishing Agency, Inc. 

CONTACT MNA 

Montana Nurses Association 

20 Old Montana State Highway, Montana City, MT 59634 

Phone (406) 442-6710 Email: info@mtnurses.org 

Website: www.mtnurses.org 

Office Hours: 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday 

VOICE OF NURSES IN MONTANA 

MNA is a non-profit, membership organization that advocates for nurse 

competency, scope of practice, patient safety, continuing education, and 

improved healthcare delivery and access. MNA members serve on the 

following Councils and other committees to achieve our mission: 

 

 

 

 

MISSION STATEMENT 

The Montana Nurses Association promotes professional nursing practice, 

standards and education; represents professional nurses; and provides nursing 

leadership in promoting high quality health care. 

CONTINUING EDUCATION 

Montana Nurses Association is accredited as an approver of 

continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing 

Center’s Commission on Accreditation. 

Montana Nurses Association (OH242 12/01/2014) is an approved provider 

of continuing nursing education by the Ohio Nurses Association 

(OBN-001-91), an accredited approver by the American Nurses 

Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation. 

MNA 

Board of Directors 

Executive Committee: 

President 

Vicky Rae Byrd, RN, OCN 

Vice President Lucy Ednie, RN-BC 

Secretary 

Brenda Donaldson, RN 

Treasurer 

Linda Larsen, RN-BC 

Directors at Large: 

Council Representatives: 

Advanced Practice Arlys Williams, APRN, FNP-BC 

CCE 

Deborah Lee, BSN, RN-BC 

 

 

Editorial Board: 

Chair–Barbara Prescott-Schaff, APRN, DNP, FNP-BC 

Mary Pappas, RN, EdD 

Kate Eby, APRN, MN, FNP-C 

MNA Staff: 

Lori Chovanak, MN, RN, Executive Director 

Pam Dickerson, PhD, RN-BC, FAAN, Director of Continuing Education 

Kathy Schaefer, Continuing Education Specialist 

Robin Haux, Labor Program Director 

Amy Hauschild, BSN, RN, Labor Representative 

Heather Diehl, Labor Representative 

 

 

Questions about your nursing license? Contact the Montana 

Board of Nursing at: www.nurse.mt.gov 

PUBLISHER INFORMATION & AD RATES 

Circulation 17,000. Provided to every registered nurse, licensed practical 

nurse, nursing student and nurse-related employer in Montana. The 

Pulse is published quarterly each February, May, August and November 

by the Arthur L. Davis Publishing Agency, Inc. for the Montana Nurses 

Association, 20 Old Montana State Highway, Montana City, MT 59634, a 

constituent member of the American Nurses Association. 

For advertising rates and information, please contact Arthur L. Davis 

Publishing Agency, Inc., 517 Washington Street, PO Box 216, Cedar Falls, 

Iowa 50613, (800) 626-4081, sales@aldpub.com. MNA and the Arthur L. 

Davis Publishing Agency, Inc. reserve the right to reject any advertisement. 

Responsibility for errors in advertising is limited to corrections in the next 

issue or refund of price of advertisement. 

Acceptance of advertising does not imply endorsement or approval by the Montana 

Nurses Association of products advertised, the advertisers, or the claims made. 

Rejection of an advertisement does not imply a product offered for advertising 

is without merit, or that the manufacturer lacks integrity, or that this association 

disapproves of the product or its use. MNA and the Arthur L. Davis Publishing 

Agency, Inc. shall not be held liable for any consequences resulting from purchase 

or use of an advertiser’s product. Articles appearing in this publication express the 

opinions of the authors; they do not necessarily reflect views of the staff, board, or 

membership of MNA or those of the national or local associations. 

WRITER’S GUIDELINES: 

MNA welcomes the submission of articles and editorials related to nursing or about 

Montana nurses for publication in The PULSE. Please limit word size between 500- 

1000 words and provide resources and references. MNA has the right to accept, 

edit or reject proposed material. Please send articles to: kim@mtnurses.org.

May, June, July 2014 Montana Nurses Association Pulse Page 3 

Labor Reports and News 

MNA Local #39 

Nurses in Sidney 

Bargain New 

Contract 

Amy Hauschild, 

BSN, RN, MNA Labor 

Representative 

MNA Local #39 

elected bargaining team 

successfully secured a 

successor agreement to 

their current collective 

bargaining agreement. 

 

swift and goal oriented. 

Both teams worked 

diligently in order to 

secure new terms and 

conditions of employment. 

Significant economic and 

 

achieved. Hats off to Local 

#39; their constituents were lucky to have such a 

dedicated team at the bargaining table acting on 

their behalf. 

Know Your Rights! But What Are They? 

Robin Haux 

MNA Labor 

Program Director 

All Montana Nurses 

Association union nurses 

have rights! You have 

 

under the Supreme Court’s 

 

what are they? 

Know your Weingarten 

Rights! Before discussing 

 

you must understand what 

an “investigatory interview” 

is. An investigatory 

interview is when you 

are questioned by your 

 

 

lead to disciplinary action. This can include 

 

 

 

disciplinary action?” If they answer “Yes” then you 

have the right to ask for representation. If they say 

 

carefully to what is being discussed. If it starts to 

 

right to invoke your Weingarten rights. 

Know the Rules! 

 

following rules apply: 

Grant the request and postpone any further 

questioning until a union representative arrives 

and has a chance to consult privately with the 

employee; or 

Deny the request and end the interview 

immediately; or 

3. Give the employee a choice 

 

the interview. 

*If your employer denies your request for union 

 

this is considered an unfair labor practice under 

 

refuse to answer and you cannot be disciplined 

for a refusal to answer questions without union 

I will listen, but I 

will not provide any comment until I can get union 

representation.”* 

Why do you need representation? While your 

 

employer must allow them to speak and provide 

 

take detailed notes of what all present parties say 

at the meeting. These notes and second set of eyes 

and ears can prevent later disputes about what was 

said at the meeting. 

 

you and your local with Weingarten cards and 

flyers with easy to access information on your 

rights! 

Left to Right: Stacey Indergard, Beth Mindt, 

Linda Ries, Marilyn Usselman, Sussanna Veltman 

We’re looking for nurses 

We’re looking for nurses 

of the CARING KIND 

Serving: 

Billings (406) 294-0785 Butte (406) 494-6114 

Bozeman (406) 556-0640 Helena (406) 442-2214 

Missoula (406) 549-2766 

www.rockymountainhospice.com 

You have a CHOICE. Ask for us by name. 

The employee must make a clear request 

for union representation before or during the 

interview. The employee cannot be punished 

for making this request. (Note: Do not ask the 

 

up to you to make the statement that you want 

management 

is not an appropriate representative 

offer you the nursing supervisor or someone 

 

 

 

act as your representative and you have the 

right to a reasonable amount of time to obtain 

representation. 

 

employer must choose among three options. The 

employer must either: 

Rural Hospital RN 

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night and weekend differentials. Call Denise Rose Harney District 

Hospital 541-573-5184 or apply at harneydh.com. 

 

Adult and Child 

Counseling Service 

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Adult Child Counseling Service 

A private practice is looking for a 

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Practitioner, APRN 

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Part time office space available. 

Call William Evans, LCSW at (406) 443-1990 Ext. 102 

Consider a Career at 

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Saint Alphonsus Health System is a fourhospital 

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To learn more and to apply, please visit 

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Or call Roxanne Ohlund 208-367-3032 

or Rick Diaz 208-367-3118


 

MNA Nurses will take from this conference and 

apply to their practice. 

“I will be using the newly learned strategies for 

onboarding new nurses.” 

“I will work at being more informed of legislative 

issues affecting health care.” 

Labor Reports and News 

 

Empowering labor leaders to be more effective in carrying out their roles. 

“The need for a more involved new hire 

orientation will be my goal moving forward.” 

“The stories from other attendees and the MNA 

techniques that were taught will help me to continue 

to gain new 

members and work 

with my colleagues.” 

Amy Clary, 

BA, MA, PhD 

AFT Healthcare, 

Assistant Director 

“I will be working 

on employee 

outreach especially 

with new hires and 

then following up.” 

“I hope to change 

the stigma of unions 

and work alongside 

my colleagues and 

peers to make those 

changes needed.” 

Matt Larson & James Fredrickson 

Local Unit Roundup 

“This information is going to be used to better 

our bargaining ability during negotiations and 

empower nurses to fight for better patient care.” 

 

and we were excited to provide our nursing 

members with an opportunity to learn how to get 

 

and national levels. Our experts provided training 

 

 

and the Affordable Healthcare Act. Each year this 

event grows and we are already looking forward to 

next year. We are looking forward to continuing to 

 

 

Rick Kuplinsk; Deputy Director 

Department of Organization and Field Services 

American Federation of Teachers, AFL-CIO 

Legislative Panel 

Sharon Sweeny Fee, PhD, RN, JP Pomnichowski, 

Montana Representative, Chris Cavazos, 

MT AFL-CIO Political Director 

Director of Nursing 

If you have an adventurous spirit and a 

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We are searching for a Director of Nursing who will embrace 

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The Medical Center is a warm, friendly and caring work 

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May and September every year during the fishing season. 

Cordova Community Medical Center (CCMC) may be the career 

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Employees are eligible for membership with Denali Alaskan 

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Please contact: 

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Tim James, HR Coordinator 

 

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Continuing Education 

How Do You 

Learn Best? 

Reflections 

Susan Porravechio, BSN, RN, CARN 

Bigfork, MT MNA District 7 

MNA Continuing Education Council Member 

Pamela S. Dickerson 

PhD, RN-BC, FAAN 

MNA Director 

of Continuing 

Education 

Different people have different learning styles. 

Some people are auditory learner s – they like to hear 

information. Some are visual learners – they like to see 

things. Some are tactile learners – they like to have 

 

learn best? 

 

learning style so you know how to choose learning 

 

 

it – you need to purposefully choose learning activities 

that are designed in a way that will be relevant and 

helpful to you. 

This is true for both academic and continuing 

 

BSN completion and graduate education curricula that 

 

their entire degree requirements without ever setting foot in a classroom. How 

 

 

 

is not your best option. 

 

 

 

we ask them to do a gap analysis – where are learners now and where do 

they need to be in relation to the content of the learning activity. You can do 

 

 

or have misinformation. This may occur when there are new guidelines or 

 

 

transitioning from your current area of practice to a new one and want to learn 

about this new area. 

A gap in skill occurs when you have the knowledge but don’t know how 

 

been a long time since you’ve worked in an operating room. You are now 

considering a position in an ambulatory surgery center and want to improve 

your skill in using safe and appropriate procedures. 

A gap in practice occurs when you have knowledge and skill but have 

 

know about communication skills that can be used to address conflict with 

 

 

confronted with this situation “for real” and are not able to apply what you’ve 

learned. 

The education and support you need to enhance your practice will depend 

 

practice. 

Take a few moments to reflect on your practice of nursing. What are your 

strengths? What are your opportunities for growth? What do you need to know 

to improve your practice? Here are some suggested “gap analysis” steps that 

you can use: 

 

patient care issue or an opportunity for you to learn or apply something 

new. 

 

related to this goal? Where are you right now? (current state – point A) 

 

you know or do that you can’t do now? Or what will you do better? 

(desired state – point B) 

 

 

class that provides the information you need. If you need knowledge 

 

independent study that will provide you with the information you need. 

 

you choose a workshop where you can actually practice the skill. If it’s 

 

with a mentor or offer the opportunity to explore practice change. 

Opportunities for your professional development are numerous – choose 

wisely to get the most out of your learning! 

Ohio Nurses Association 

 

 

 

 

As a member of the Montana 

Nurses Association Council on 

 

there is the opportunity each year 

for one member to attend these 

learning sessions. This year was 

my chance! 

I want to especially thank 

 

 

 

CE Specialist for this wonderful 

educational banquet. If you have 

any doubt about how well these 

two women are representing our 

 

that we are getting our money’s 

 

of fun is working long after the conferences are done! 

Robin Rak 

Senior Administrative Assistant II 

Accreditation Program 

American Nurses Credentialing Center 

Susan Porravechio, BSN, RN, CARN 

Member Montana Nurses Association 

Continuing Education Council 

 

especially informative and I am 

happy to report that there was 

dialogue and design strategies 

are being considered that will 

make planning effective CE less 

 

boxes but actually helping to 

clarify gap analysis without the 

 

on worksheets that provided time 

 

and evaluating a CE activity. 

The Educators Conference 

 

Each highlighted various 

projects and activities that have 

enhanced the role of CE and staff 

development educators through information and tools relevant to contemporary 

 

 

 

increasing interest in leadership positions. This very thought provoking 

 

 

 

Teaching Modality.” 

It was a busy two days packed with challenging information and time to 

share ideas and interact with colleagues. There were moments of reflection that 

renewed within me the profound sense of pride I have in my chosen profession 

 

life’s final moments. 

Terry Pope, MSN, RN, 

Chair of ONA CE Approver Council; 

President, Nursing Institute for 

Continuing Education; and 

Executive Director, Mid-Ohio District 

Nurses Association 

Pamela S. Dickerson, PhD, RN-BC, 

FAAN, President, PRN Continuing 

Education; Member of ONA CEAC 

Council; and Director of Continuing 

Education, Montana Nurses 

Association



 

Deanna Babb, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC 

Family Nurse Practitioner/Missouri River Healthcare, Montana State 

University/Coordinator FNP Program 

Panel: Political and Policy Actions on Behalf of APRN’s 

Lori Chovanak, MN, RN, Executive Director MNA, 

April Canter, MPA, BS American Nurses Association, Assoc. Director 

Sarah Baessler, BS, BA, Director of Health Policy and Government 

Relations, Oregon Nurses Association 

Katherine Kany, MSN, BS, RN, Assistant Director/AFT Healthcare 

Deanna Babb, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, Family Nurse Practitioner/Missouri 

River Healthcare, Montana State University/Coordinator FNP Program 

An impressive lineup of nurses and representatives from national 

professional organizations briefed participants in current health policy issues 

 

 

 

both moderator and participant in the panel of five experts. Lori opened the 

session with a report of pressing issues impacting health care in Montana. 

One of the biggest issues since last September has been the new Centers for 

Medicaid and Medicare (CMS) rule which requires a physician signature to 

order certain Durable Medical Equipment (DME) items. CMS regulations for 

ordering DME became more restrictive after implementation of the Affordable 

 

 

 

 

included) where his staffers pulled him out of session for a minute and Lori’s 

 

 

implementation of the CMS rule. 

 

Association (ANA) Government Affairs Department echoed the problem the 

DME rule has created for patients who need lifesaving items like oxygen or 

 

 

 

transportation to providers who may be over an hour away. April highlighted 

other barriers to patient care that continue to require physician signatures for 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

nurse practitioner’s heartbreak as she considered 

 

percent decrease in insurance reimbursement 

to her practice. Sarah inspired the group as 

she outlined the steps that lead to Oregon 

 

insurance companies to follow ‘equal pay for 

equal work’ rules on insurance reimbursements 

 

 

 

the first state in the nation to pass parity in 

 

 

free enterprise. 

 

Director at the American Federation of Teachers 

 

workers including primary care providers in large 

 

 

AFT became affiliates with National Federation 

of Nurses (NFN) which comprises state nurses 

 

 

AFT shares concern regarding health and safety 

in the workplace with ANA. AFT has staff 

dedicated to reading and studying the ACA 

documents so they can act as a resource for their 

AFT members. 

 

highlights of key issues identified by the 

John Honsky, APRN, 

M. Ed., BSN-BC 

Partnership Healthcare 

Center, Family Mental 

Health Consultant 

 

 

 

requiring physician signature for DME. Letters and stories from Montana 

 

 

 

Medicare issues that limit access to care including requiring physician orders 

 

practitioners as leaders and providers for Accountable Care Organizations. 

APRN Conference continued on page 7 

Director of Patient Care Services 

Clark Fork Valley Hospital, located in scenic Plains, Montana, is 

seeking a full-time Director of Patient Care Services (Chief Nurse). 

Start your future here! 

Find the perfect nursing job that meets your needs at 

nursingALD.com 

The successful candidate must have a BSN; (MSN preferred), and a 

background in management. The individual serves as a member of 

the Senior Management Team and supervises multiple department 

managers. 

Duties also include oversight of Infection Control and Employee 

Health. 

To apply online go to: 

www.cfvh.org. EOE



APRN Conference continued from page 6 

Katherine Kany, MSN, BS, RN 

Assistant Director | AFT Healthcare 

 

cover the critical need areas to the extent they do 

in Montana. This slide gives a true picture of the 

 

access to care for the state’s citizens and should 

 

 

potentially devastating impact that results from 

 

without challenge.” 

Jennifer Flynn, AON/Manager, 

Healthcare Risk Management Program 

“NSO was happy to have been invited to Montana 

 

 

and discuss the liability issues they face in their 

practice allows us to enhance our risk management 

and patient safety information for the benefit of 

 

Kara Addison FNP-C 

Associated Dermatology, FNP-C 

Patricia Carrick, FNP 

Family Nurse Practitioner, Dillon MT 

“It was good to reunite with so many amazing 

 

conference and evening “Summit” event. I 

appreciated having time set aside to hear about 

the experiences of others related to our shared 

professional concerns and it was inspiring to hear 

of the stellar work and dedicated representation 

of the staff and volunteers of our professional 

 

 

 

on behalf of ourselves and hopefully to the benefit 

of our patients.” 

Keven Comer, APRN, FNP-BC 

Bridger Internal Medicine 

 

was held in Helena at the Great Northern Hotel 

 

across the state attended with vendors and many 

outstanding speakers. The conference offered 

 

 

 

Rebecca Strudevant, 

MSN, APRN, COHN-S, C-SAPA 

Montana Common Sense Coalition 

hours of pharmacology credit to keep prescriptive 

authority every two years with renewal of licensure. 

Hot Topics this year included drug abuse trends 

and use of the Montana prescription drug registry; 

ETOH protocols for withdrawal and treatment; 

 

 

and TX; head injury and anticoagulants; and there 

 

and AFT representatives that discussed current 

 

 

 

 

 

and Lori Chovanak Executive Director discussed 

pending issues at the state and national levels. The 

 

 

Mary Huddle, MSN, 

CNM, PMHNP 

Partnership Health 

Center Psychiatric NP 

 

to consider attending 

next year’s pharmacology 

conference. Mark your 

 

are always looking for 

interested individuals to 

share their expertise and 

present at these events. 

We accept proposals for 

topics and speakers and 

any interested speakers 

should contact the Kathy 

at the Montana Nurses’ 

Association.” 

Fort Peck Tribes Diabetes Program 

Fort Peck Tribes Diabetes Program serves the Native American Diabetics within 

reservation boundaries. Our program has two RN’s, six outreach workers and 

one JVN worker. We offer a monthly news letter, diabetes education within the 

schools, JVN and eye screenings, DM oral care, community screenings, wound 

care, nail care, and pay for access to local wellness centers for all diabetics. 

Diabetic breakfast in Poplar IHS on Wednesday mornings and DM breakfast 

in Wolf Point on Thursday mornings. We also offer patient incentives for DM 

patients who are in adherence. Our outreach workers can deliver medications 

and transport patients to doctor appointments. Follow us on our Facebook page; 

Fort Peck Tribes Diabetes Program. 

710 2nd Ave. West, PO Box 1027 

Poplar, MT 59255 

 

Our aim is healthy 

AC’s 

MNA Montana 

Approved Providers 

St. Vincent Healthcare 

 

 

 

 

Benefis Healthcare Systems 

 

 

 

Community Medical Center 

 

Bozeman Deaconess Hospital 

 

 

 

Billings Clinic 

 

MT Geriatric Education Center 

 

St. James Healthcare 

 

Montana Health Network 

 

Livingston Healthcare 

 

Montana Healthcare Association 

 

 

 

 

 

North Valley Hospital 

 

 

 

DID YOU KNOW… 

Teton Medical Center in Choteau, MT 

qualifies for the NURSE Corps 

Funding Program? 

In exchange for a 2 year service commitment at TMC, nurses can 

get 60% of their school loan paid with a 3rd year eligibility to 

receive an additional 25% of loan balance. 

Applicant eligibility includes: 

 

 

 

 

To take advantage of this federally funded NURSE Corps Program 

and for more information on working with our Dynamic team of providers 

 

EOE 

Providence is calling. 

Operating Room Manager 

 

5 yrs OR Nursing exp & 2 yrs managerial exp req 

Central Montana Medical Center 

408 Wendell Ave., Lewistown, MT 59457 

 

Chief Nursing Officer 

Northern Rockies Medical Center, 

a 20 bed Critical Access Hospital, in Cut Bank, MT 

is recruiting for a Chief Nursing Officer. The CNO will be 

 

NRMC for the highest standards of care by all personnel under the 

 

 

Contact Kandie 406-873-3737 or 

nrmchr@nrmcinc.org 

RN LABOR AND DELIVERY (Job# 52090) 

Polson, MT 

Applicants must have current RN licensure and Current Basic 

Life Support (BLS) certificate. Prefer Bachelor’s Degree in 

Nursing (BSN) and 1 year RN experience in Labor & Delivery/ 

Postpartum (LDRP). 

Answer the call. Providenceiscalling.jobs 

When applying online, please reference job number 52090. 

Providence Health & Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer.


Cynthia Gustafson, RN, PhD 

Executive Officer 

Montana Board of Nursing 

How many contact hours do I need and by 

when? 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Don’t APRNs have DIFFERENT requirements for 

continuing education? 

 

 

 

of pharmacotherapeutics. This rule changed for 

 

 

DO NEW GRADS need to have contact hours 

too? They just graduated! 

The Board did discuss this and felt that a 

competency of nurses should be lifelong learning – 

what better way to start the process? 

If I am only licensed for 6 months of the current 

licensing period, do I still need to have the full 

24 contact hours? 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Do I have to take the contact hours one per 

month? Or can I take them all at the same time? 

Or right before I renew my license? 

You can take these however you want. You can 

 

day during the licensing period. That is up to you. 


FAQS: What Are The Continuing Education Requirements? 

RN’s 

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how good 300 days of sunshine feels. Imagine not having to worry about 

affordable housing. 

Wishful thinking? 

Not at all. Far from frenetic big city commutes, Wenatchee-style living 

is something very special. Our invigorating climate, rich cultural and 

recreational facilities, prime shopping destinations and wide choices of 

affordable housing means that maybe – you can have it all. 

Now, imagine all the pleasures of nursing, but without the 

frustrations. Wenatchee, WA is the home of Central Washington 

Hospital, where Nurses feel empowered, not isolated or anonymous. 

They work towards the same goals and their experience is valued, voices 

heard and individuality respected. Here, you’ll always know your insights 

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Central Washington and Wenatchee reflects all your dreams by inspiring a 

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insurance, and 24 days paid leave. Apply online at 

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EOE 

Can I take online courses? 

There is no restriction on the type of course 

 

 

 

There are many ways to fulfill the requirement. 

I am enrolled in college classes to advance my 

nursing degree. Can I use these courses toward 

the requirement? 

 

your education in nursing! You can use your 

college credits and it is a good way to meet the 

 

 

 

class you are done and more! 

If I take more than 24 contact hours in one 

two year period – can I use them for the next 

renewal? 

Sorry – no. You can only use the course you took 

 

You cannot carry over credits or go back in time. 

What courses meet the requirements? Are 

courses approved by the MT Board of Nursing? 

Many offerings meet the requirements. The 

Board does NOT approve individual courses or 

providers. The Board did not want to be in the 

approval business. 

See this rule: 

this on the Board website: www.nurse.mt.gov under 

 

 

 

education courses must be approved by an 

accrediting organization or provided by an 

 

 

certifying body. 

This leaves a lot of choices for the licensee to 

choose what is most relevant to their continued 

competence development. That is the intent of the 

Board. 

Big Sky, 

Big Opportunities! 

Nurse 

Practitioners 

Nursing 

Leadership 

Experienced RNs 

For more information 

and to apply, visit 

www.billingsclinic.com/careers 

or call (406) 238-2638 

What accrediting organizations does the Board 

recognize? 

MANY! See this definition of accrediting 

organization found in 

 

professional organization that establishes standards 

and criteria for continuing education programs in 

 

other health care specialties. 

So this means that I don’t have to take 

courses that are only accredited for nursing 

– I can take courses accredited for other 

professionals? 

YES! The Board knows that there are many 

excellent programs out there that will help you gain 

new knowledge that will help your practice. 

Would approval from another state board of 

nursing meet the definition of an accrediting 

organization? 

YES! Some state boards do make approvals and 

another state board of nursing could be considered 

an accrediting organization. 

Do I send in my certificates of completion to the 

Board? 

No – please keep your certificates in a safe place 

for yourself. You may be chosen in a random audit 

after the licensing period and then you would be 

asked to provide the Board these certificates as 

 

What will happen if I get audited? 

You will be notified by email and mail – so 

 

up to date with the Board. (To change address 

go to the website www.nurse.mt.gov and fill in 

an address change from the front page under 

Board Information.) You will then be asked to 

send in copies of your certificates or your college 

transcripts to verify that you have completed the 

requirements. 

What if I did not complete the contact hours? 

Will my license be taken away? 

If after being audited and you have not complied 

 

against you from the Board and taken to the 

 

made if there is reasonable cause to move forward 

 

 

stipulation of discipline will be made. The lesson: 

 

Can I be audited two years in a row?! 

 

of the licensees. 

I want to read the rules related to this 

requirement! 

You do? That is great! I love it when licensees 

want to read the rules. The easiest way to find them 

is to go to the website: www.nurse.mt.gov under the 

 

 

Continuing Education. You may also want to check 

 

you want further explanation of. Good luck! 

I am so confused – who should I talk to if I have 

questions about this?!! 

You might want to first talk to another nursing 

colleague to get answers to your questions. If you 

feel you are still confused – please feel free to call 

 

 

question at cgustafson@mt.gov.


Membership 

Cathy Ransier 

Membership & 

Finance Specialist 

 

 

in March. I was unsure 

of what exactly I was 

participating in from an 

 

figured it out eventually. At 

the end of our first day we 

had a meet and greet with 

 

 

membership person here at 

MNA. 

 

 

 

MNA. 

 

either independently or with smaller organizations 

that take care of a great portion of our rural 

 

health care system and MNA seeks a greater 

stronghold of support for these nurses. Many of these 

nurses have no place to go with concerns about their 

 

and their patients. 

Your Voice Matters 

 

great conversation at the conference about how MNA 

 

is going to have a voice that truly reflects the 

 

 

needs with the rest of nursing across the state. But 

we can only do that with membership. Hopefully 

by next year I will have figured out a membership 

 

that has already started with one conversation and 

 

 

organization that can benefit them. 

We at MNA already use our voice at the legislative 

level for all nurses across the state whether they are 

 

we could do so much more in the future if we stand 

 

 

 

your particular facility. Who else better to direct the 

system than those who work it every day? 

I would like to thank each of you for your 

wonderful work in nursing and wish you the very 

best! 

Has your 

contact 

information 

changed? 

New name? New address? 

New phone number? 

New email address? 

To update your contact information, 

please email or call Montana 

Nurses Association: 

cathyr@mtnurses.org or 406-442-6710 

MEMBERSHIP MATTERS! 

We would like to welcome the following nurses to Montana Nurses Association! 

Below are the names of New Members and Members who have renewed their membership between 

January 1, 2014 & March 1, 2014. 

If your name is not listed, and you believe it should be, please contact Cathy Ransier at 406-442-6710 

or email her at cathyr@mtnurses.org 

 

 

Danice Thorne Anna Gail Candace Barrenchea Traci Jefferies 

 

 

 

 

Tyler Gence Laray Mears Glenn Scherr Jamie Salminen 

Tonya Tanner Haylie Wisemiller Kaytlen Crawford Kastene Kunze 

 

Kayla Alexander Katherine Bugni Aaron Johnson Alexandria Schramm 

 

 

Laurie Amunrud Lauren Hastings Melody Harvey Marcy Craythorn 

 

Anastasia Wilson Melissa Blue Cheryl Busch Nicole Hecker 

 

Sara Anguiano Tonia Akines Tara Scott Nicole Brown 

 

Terrilee Jenks Mary Frydenlund Janice Ostermiller Timothy Dunnington 

 

Jessica Anderson 

The Montana Nurses Association 

would like to invite you 

to join us today 

BENEFITS INCLUDE: 

s 

 

 

 

AND BENEFITS 

 

 

 

Call or email today 

cathyr@mtnurses.org 

(406) 442-6710 

Applications also available 

on our website 

mtnurses.org 

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Around the State 

 

Montana Nursing Education 

Donna Greenwood, MSN, RN 

Carroll College 

Associate Professor of Nursing 

Community and Public Health 

The advances in science and technology that 

 

and environmental landscapes of the world have 

contributed to the need for a new and expanded 

paradigm of nursing collaboration and partnership. 

 

technologies (ICT) and networks influence nursing 

and health care delivery. Nurse educators require the 

vision and foresight to anticipate trends and needs 

in the global village. They need to prepare today’s 

student nurses to be future nurse leaders with the 

capability to work across borders and cultures in the 

 

 

Working across international boundaries and 

cultures can promote the exchange of knowledge and 

increase a sense of global responsibility and solidarity. 

The idea of international nursing collaboration is 

 

global networks through such organizations as the 

 

 

 

 

http://attendesource.com/profile/web/index. 

. She designed a program 

to introduce Carroll College nursing students to 

the global network of nurses. Two elective nursing 

courses were designed to expose students to 

 

 

 

collaboration with two nursing professors who were 

 

 

 

enrolled in the Carroll College class and in teams of 

 

conferencing technology (Skype) to communicate 

 

 

 

a nurse or health care professional from one other 

state and one other country. All four continents were 

represented. The seminar discussions focused on what 

 

 

and cultures. 

All of the Montana guests with the Brennan 

Family after lunch 

Tasha Zoanni 

with Oliver on the 

Brennan Farm 

Tour of Baera Peninsula 

Because of the limited minority populations 

 

find opportunities to integrate diversity into the 

 

 

 

partnerships after attending the Second International 

Register today 

to begin your search 

for the perfect 

Nursing Job! 

Search job listings 

across the 

United States! 

Registration is FREE 

and your information 

is not sold or shared! 

WWW.NURSINGALD.COM 

Qualified Caring Staff 

RNs LPNs 

CNAs 

We are currently taking 

applications for traveling 

careers for licensed / certified 

nursing staff, for long term 

care, hospital, correctional, 

mental health, clinics and 

treatment facilities, 

throughout Montana. 

Excellent wages, flexible 

work assignments, and other 

opportunities 

For an application or more 

information contact us: 

406-360-5199 

406-360-5149 

Fax 406-363-5726 

Email at 

angeltravelers@yahoo.com 

www.angeltravelers.com 

Equal opportunity employer 

Donna Greenwood, Marisa Arneson, Terry Thibaut, 

Ireland Senator Fidelma Healy Eames, Mariah 

Arneson, Angela McKeever outside of Bailey Hall 

National University of Ireland, Galway 

The second elective course was a two week study 

abroad experience to Ireland with two primary 

learning objectives: 

 

public health nursing perspective using the Salmon 

 

 

 

The Montana contingent to Ireland consisted of 

 

 

 

College nursing alum Angela McKeever from Dillon 

 

 

Greenwood. 

This custom experience was developed under 

the direction of the Carroll College Studies Abroad 

program and designed in collaboration with the 

 

College partner. (http://studiesabroad.com/about/ 

contact) 

Highlights of the tour included: Blarney Castle 

 

 

Bunratty Castle provided the participants opportunity 

to experience a medieval banquet and listen to 

traditional Irish music. One very special highlight of 

the trip was a visit to meet the Brennan family on 

their farm. This opportunity was arranged by family 

 

left a piece of their heart with the Brennan family. 

At regularly scheduled times during the Ireland 

 

to discuss and relate principles and theories of 

 

 

“The trip to Ireland was a once in a lifetime 

opportunity. We learned so much about the culture of 

Ireland and the role of public health throughout the 

entire trip, all while managing to have tons of fun!” – 

Tasha Zoanni 

The instructors original plan was that at least some 

of the participants from the video conferencing class 

held in the spring semester would be able to meet in 

) 

 

of Auckland students that were also able to participate 

in the Ireland experience. Two of the nursing students 

from Harstad University in Norway were present in 

Ireland and participated with the nurse educators 

 

presentation titled “Preliminary Findings of an 

International Student Nurse Collaboration.” 

 

had opportunities to meet nurses from twenty six 

countries around the world and hear world nurse 

Sydney Slezak, 

Tasha Zoanni, 

Terry Thibaut, 

Angela McKeever, 

Donna Greenwood, 

Mariah & Marisa 

Arneson at Blarney 

Castle 

International Networking continued on page 11



 

leaders discuss public health issues and research 

representing their respective countries. The Carroll 

College students were invited by the conference 

organizers to lead an informal round table discussion 

on nursing education around the world. The students 

were surprised to learn about the diversity of nursing 

educational programs that exist internationally. 

 

required to complete an academic paper addressing 

how this experience influenced their philosophy 

of nursing and how it would impact their nursing 

practice in the future. Students also presented a slide 

show and talk to the Helena community about their 

study abroad in Ireland. 

As a result of the development of new relationships 

 

continue to be expanded. Dr. Sinead Hanafin 

 

a live guest lecturer via video conferencing in the 

community health nursing class at Carroll College. 

Other opportunities for international networking and 

collaboration are also being developed by Dr. Anne 

 

guest lecture in each other’s classes and collaborate 

on joint student nursing projects. 

Registration and barbeque at opening of IPHNC 

2013 - Pictured left to right: 

Marisa Arneson, Mariah Arneson, Tasha Zoanni, 

Angela McKeever, Sydney Slezak 

“This was a life changing experience for me. It was 

an amazing opportunity to not only see other countries 

health systems, but to experience public health in a 

very real way.” ~Mariah Arneson 

“Ireland was an amazing expirence that I will 

treasure for the rest of my life. The International 

Public Health Nursing Conference was a great way 

to learn about nursing around the world.” ~Marisa 

Arneson 

References: 

 

International collaboration: A concept model to engage 

nursing leaders and promote global nursing education 

partnerships. Nurse Education in Practice 

 

from . 

 

http://attendesource.com/profile/web/index. 

 

 

. 

MMC is seeking Full or Part Time 

Family Nurse Practitioners and 

Registered Nurses for our farmworker 

health clinics in 

Billings and Fairview, Montana. 

New grads encouraged to apply. 

Opportunity to provide primary health care 

services for agricultural families in clinics, mobile 

clinics, homes, fields, schools and orchards. 

Call 406-248-3149 or Email: 

Vicki Thuesenvthuesen@mtmigrantcouncil.org 

Montana Migrant & Seasonal Farmworker Council Inc. 

 

CAHN Nomination 

Honors Montana Nurse 

Terry Egan 

Associate Director, Montana Geriatric 

Education Center 

Linda Henderson 

Linda Henderson has 

worked with the Montana 

Geriatric Education Center 

(MTGEC) for a number of 

years. Linda has provided 

leadership in the education 

opportunities MTGEC 

provides to healthcare 

 

and students across the 

state. She is passionate 

about training healthcare 

professionals to meet 

the needs and challenges of our state’s aging 

population. 

Linda serves as the MTGEC nurse planner 

 

she serves on the MTGEC Administrative Board 

which sets the goals and activities for continuing 

education opportunities offered by the center. She 

also serves on the MTGEC curriculum committee 

and has been chair for the past two years. Linda 

 

 

of geriatric continuing education provided for 

health care professionals via the online curriculum 

 

 

 

 

ensuring that activities of the MTGEC are carried 

out in a manner that is consistent with ANCC 

criteria and Nursing Professional Development: 

Scope and Standards of Practice 

 

 

an established process. She works with authors/ 

reviewers through the curriculum development 

process. Linda also reviews curriculum for content 

and provides feedback to others. 

Serving in this role has provided a great service 

to nursing professionals throughout the state who 

are interested in continuing education in the area of 

geriatrics. Linda’s leadership in this position ensures 

 

is being shared. She is thoughtful and targeted in 

the kinds of training needed to fill practice gaps 

in the area. Linda serves the nursing profession as 

a whole by trying to improve health professionals’ 

knowledge and practices when working with 

geriatric patients. 

Congratulations Linda! 

Essential Functions: Montana Mental Health Nursing Care Center located in 

Lewistown, Montana provides long term care to adults with serious mental 

illness. This position is responsible for treating and prescribing care to 

residents as referred. Provides direct resident care and collaborates as a 

provider and care plan team member in medication management of facility 

residents. 

Minimum Qualifications 

 

 

Psychiatric -Mental Health Clinical Nurse Specialist 

 

assignment of DEA number. 

 

preferred. 

Applications/Inquires can be addressed to 

Ron Balas, Superintendent 

Mental Health Nursing Care Center 

800 Casino Creek Dr 

Lewistown, MT 59457 

406-538-7451 ext 218 

Nursing Professor 

Recognized as a Top 

Program Faculty 

Leader 

Donna Greenwood (3rd from right) in Ireland with 

her nursing students. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Professor Donna Greenwood specializes in 

community and public health nursing, clinical 

decision-making, nursing ethics, and holistic 

care with emphasis on prevention and health 

promotion. In 2013, Donna took her expertise 

abroad with a group of Carroll College students 

to tour throughout Ireland and attend the 3rd 

annual International Public Health Nursing 

Conference in Galway.” 

Congratulations Donna! We’ve always known 

you were outstanding! 

Montana Is Calling You!!! 

Currently recruiting 

for the following 

positions: 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Glacier National Park, mountains, lakes, 

ski resorts, golf, fresh air, friendly people, 

and excellent schools all accompany this 

rapidly progressing 

303-bed hospital. 

Laurie O’Leary, Human Resources 

310 Sunnyview Lane, 

Kalispell, MT 59901 

406-752-1760 

loleary@krmc.org 

www.kalispellregional.org



Preceptors: The Heart and Soul of Nursing 

Sandra W. Kuntz, PhD, APRN, PHCNS-BC and 

Charlene A. Winters, PhD, APRN, ACNS-BC 

Preceptors live at the intersections of education and practice and of the 

present and the future. They practice at the point where theoretical learning 

meets reality and where the gap between current and needed knowledge and 

expertise gets filled. Preceptors are the essential link between what nurses 

are taught and what they do, and between what nurses know and what they 

need to know. Having competent preceptors is critical to educating nursing 

students, transitioning new graduate nurses to the professional nursing role, 

and transitioning experienced nurses to new roles and specialties (Ulrich, 

2012, p. xxv). 

Nurse educators throughout Montana appreciate and depend on preceptors 

 

 

survey (N 

 

 

 

 

free, asynchronous continuing education 

modules to preceptors actively engaged or interested in learning more about 

precepting students. 

 

effectiveness and satisfaction with the precepting experience and (b) prepare 

preceptors to support the development of students transitioning to practice. 

Contact hours for five online modules delivered asynchronously through 

 

 

free contact hours are available to preceptors who complete all five modules 

 

 

Activity 

Module I 

 

 

Module II 

Communication 

Module III 

Teaching 

Strategies 

Module IV 

 

Experiences 

Module V 

Evaluation 

TOTAL 

 

Webinar 

Blog 

TOTAL 3.9 

 

 

Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation. 

 

 

 

skuntz@montana.edu for more 

information. 

 

IN: Sigma Theta Tau International. 

 

Sandra Kuntz, PhD, APRN, PHCNS-BC; 

Rita Cheek, RN, PhD; Kailyn Dorhauer, MHA 

The Nursing Education Statewide Summit 

sponsored by the Montana Center to Advance 

Health through Nursing (MT CAHN) will take place 

 

Hotel. The goal of the Summit was established in 

 

 

in Montana: “Develop a statewide nursing education 

model that maximizes academic progression toward 

BSN and graduate nursing degrees to meet the 

changing health care needs of Montanans.” 

 

were held in April in communities around the state 

 

 

 

to gather information about local workforce 

needs as well as nursing education necessary to 

meet current and future rural health care needs 

 

 

Montana populations. 

The impetus for the Summit stems from one of 

four key messages from the Institute of Medicine 

Change is happening... 

Visit www.nursingALD.com to access over 600 

issues of state nurses publications from around the 

United States - Stay informed about nursing in 

Montana and around the country! 

Future of Nursing report: “Nurses should achieve 

higher levels of education and training through an 

improved education system that promotes seamless 

 

 

the proportion of nurses with a baccalaureate 

 

 

 

assure the preparation of the future workforce. 

Although the IOM Future of Nursing report 

 

establishes a way forward with all nurses valued 

as contributors to solutions and improvements. 

The Joint Statement on Academic Progression for 

Nursing Students and Graduates was originally 

 

 

Association of Community Colleges Trustees 

 

 

 

 

American Nurses Association endorsed the Joint 

Statement. 

“To fulfill our shared goal to prepare a 

robust nursing workforce, the undersigned 

organizations acknowledge our full support of 

academic progression for nursing students and 

graduates. Community college presidents, boards, 

and program administrators are aligned with the 

nation’s nursing association leaders in the belief 

that every nursing student and nurse deserves the 

opportunity to pursue academic career growth 

and development. It is through the collaboration 

and partnering of our various organizations 

that we can facilitate and inspire the seamless 

academic progression of nursing students and 

nurses. Our common goal is a well-educated, 

diverse nursing workforce to advance the nation’s 

health . . . which may include seamless transition 

into associate, baccalaureate, master’s, and 

doctoral programs (Joint Statement on Academic 

Progression, 2014).” 

 

organizations and institutions from each region of 

Montana are invited to attend the Summit. Speakers 

from states that have developed a statewide nursing 

education model will share their state’s strategies 

to address seamless education and academic 

progression. Speakers include the following nurse 

leaders: 

 

 

(American Organization of Nurse Executives). 

Tina will give an overview of the national 

 

health. 

 

 

work in Massachusetts including their work 

with a competence model using the Future of 

Nursing Outcomes. 

 

Director in North Carolina (NC) – North 

Carolina Foundation for Nursing Excellence. 

 

model which includes seamless educational 

pathways from the ADN to BSN beginning at 

the community college system entry point. 

 

 

first draft of a statewide nursing education model 

 

 

website at http://mtcahn.org/. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Future of Nursing: 

Leading Change, Advancing Health. 

 

 

 

from 

.


Jennifer Flynn, BA 

Manager, Healthcare Risk Management 

Nurses Service Organization (NSO) 

Imagine telling a postoperative patient how to 

take his pain medication and sending him home 

only later to find out he ended up in the ED 

 

six pills instead of two. His family wants to sue 

you and the hospital for not giving him the right 

instructions. You recall that after giving him his 

discharge instructions he shook his head indicating 

 

What happened? 

The answer is that like many healthcare 

 

 

the Department of Health and Human Services 

 

 

meaning they can understand and use health 

 

only a limited level. That translates into millions of 

people in the United States who don’t understand 

the vital health information healthcare providers 

 

recognize the issue of health literacy and use tools 

 

materials to help ensure comprehen¬sion. 

The value of health literacy 

Ensure that patients understand instructions 

so they can manage their own care and improve 

Health Affairs cites 

studies of strategies that improve patient adherence. 

 

 

 

 

routine verbal counseling about the medication. 

 

 

 

from the Department of Health and Human 

 

 

 

guidelines on health literacy to assist practitioners 

 

minimizing risk. These initiatives have prompted 

facilities to develop policies related to health 

 

 

 

American Nurses Association: “Identifies barriers 

 

effective communication and makes appropriate 

adaptations.” 

The current healthcare environment is a place 

where healthcare professionals will be held 

accountable for meeting their clients’ health literacy 

 

of practice could be cited in litigation involving 

mishaps related to a patient’s taking incorrect action 

because he or she didn’t understand the provided 

information. 

A “universal” resource 

You can’t tell a patient’s health literacy by 

 

 

 

on Health Literacy says that just as we use universal 

precautions to prevent spread of bloodborne 

 

literacy universal precautions for all patients. 

The program developed the Health Literacy 

 

download at www.nchealthliteracy.org/toolkit. The 

 

 

National News 

Improving Health Literacy Improves Patient Outcomes 

 

 

and assessing how effective they were in the 

interaction with the patient. Tools include how 

The power of teach-back 

 

handout of systems patients can use to keep track 

of their medications. 

The power of teach-back 

 

 

 

is a powerful method that ensures a patient truly 

 

ask him or her to “teach” you the information. For 

 

 

want to be sure that I explained your medication 

correctly. Can you tell me how you are going to take 

this medicine?” 

 

understands the information you provided so he 

 

reducing the likelihood of complications and a 

possible lawsuit. 

 

http:// 

nchealthliteracy.org/toolkit. 

Boosting understanding 

You can use several simple strategies to address 

health literacy when working with patients. For 

example: 

 

 

 

 

 

the information. 

 

 

syringe as you are talking about it. 

 

 

concepts. 

 

 

the patient’s medical record. 

Another tip for promoting communication is Ask 

TM which encourages patients to understand 

the answers to three questions: 

 

 

 

Statistically, in a classroom of 30 children, 2 will have asthma. 

Provide asthma management and training at your school by applying for 

a mini-grant through the Montana Asthma Control Program. 

School Nurse Mini-Grant Details: 

 

groups of 3 or more school nurses 

June 15, 2014 

 

 

reports due May 31st, 2015. 

 

setting are eligible to apply. 

 

For more information and to apply, please access the 

MACP’s website: asthmamontana.com/school-nurses/ 

Encourage your patients to keep asking 

healthcare providers for information until they can 

answer those questions. 

A team approach 

 

 

informed. More informed patients are less likely to 

sue because they are able to follow instructions and 

give themselves the best opportunity for successful 

 

 

health literacy and build a relationship with their 

patients that achieves the best possible outcomes. 

Resources 

 

 

Author. 

The Joint Commission. Advancing Effective 

 

 

 

National Quality Forum. Cultural competency: An 

 

 

 

 

the Nation Move Beyond the Cycle of Costly ‘Crisis 

 

http:// 

 

 

 

http:// 

nchealthliteracy.org/toolkit 

This risk management information was provided 

 

largest provider of nurses’ professional liability 

 

The individual professional liability insurance policy 

is administered through NSO and underwritten by 

 

 

 

service@nso.comwww.nso.com. 

Jackson Hole, Wyoming 

offers career opportunities with competitive 

salary and benefits. 

Introducing expanded facilities in 

Diagnostic Imaging, Oncology, 

Obstetrics, and Surgical Services. 

For more information please visit 

www.tetonhospital.org Click on the “careers” tab 

New Continuing Education Opportunities Available at: 

www.educationsjmc.org 

Drug Free Employer/EOE


National News 

Healthcare Reform: 

All nurses need to improve their understanding of healthcare reform and its impact. 

Lori L. Ewoldt, MA, RN-BAN 

THIS YEAR marks the halfway point for 

 

also called Obamacare). Four years after the 

 

healthcare reform rages on. One of the main 

objectives of the law is to reduce healthcare 

costs and improve consistency of care. With 

 

 

from patients and care providers to payers and 

employers. 

Have you ever wondered how the ACA and other 

healthcare reform initiatives affect your practice? 

 

has as much appeal as root canal. And some nurses 

believe the business side of health care conflicts 

with their role as patient caregiver and advocate. 

But keep in mind that the business aspect of 

care delivery is linked to quality outcomes. The 

ACA contains initiatives that connect healthcare 

payments to the quality of care delivered. This 

article highlights key aspects of the ACA and 

identifies opportunities for nurses to identify 

 

work environments. 

Overuse, underuse, and misuse of healthcare services 

Overuse of healthcare services occurs when care is provided without justification or evidence for 

its use. A classic example is needlessly prescribing antibiotics for sore throats or upper respiratory 

 

 

Whether those services have the intended clinical outcome or are even needed in the first place is 

 

 

prevent lawsuits over patients’ claims that they missed something. 

Underuse 

 

 

 

the patient’s failure to seek treatment in the first place. Underuse is as problematic as overuse and can 

occur in any patient demographic. Many uninsured people are just one medical emergency away from 

bankruptcy—although even people with health insurance aren’t immune from the challenges of unpaid 

 

 

 

care. 

Misuse 

 

patients die each year from preventable adverse events. This report launched a national conversation 

 

patients die from preventable harm each year. 

Financial impact of poor-quality care 

 

 

 

 

 

 

and leisure time for patients and poor reputations 

 

quality affects everyone and has many causes. 

(See Overuse, underuse, and misuse of healthcare 

services.) 

How the ACA is reforming healthcare 

Two central themes of the ACA are insurance 

reform and healthcare delivery reform. Some 

insurance reforms already have been implemented: 

 

 

 

premiums on medical care. (Insurance companies 

 

 

dollar limit on an enrollee’s essential health 

benefits. (See Essential health benefits under the 

ACA.) 

 

 

pressure and cholesterol screening) without 

 

Value-based purchasing initiatives 

 

 

to reimburse hospitals based on patient outcomes 

 

bonuses and imposing penalties based on the 

 

and Medicaid reimbursements to more than 

 

performance score for each hospital based on its 

scores on clinical process measures (which account 

 

 

process measures include metrics for acute 

 

 

are reported to Medicare via the Hospital Inpatient 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hospital Readmission Reduction Program 

 

 

 

 

for hospitals to reduce the number of unnecessary 

 

 

 

 

reduced payments to hospitals with excessive 

 

 

pneumonia; hospitals with rates higher than the 

national risk adjusted average incur a penalty for 

all Medicare inpatient payments. The maximum 

 

Conditions and procedures that may be added to 

 

 

 

New health reforms for 2014 

 

companies to offer coverage to adults regardless 

of preexisting conditions and can no longer 

charge higher rates based on gender or health 

 

 

companies can’t drop or limit coverage because an 

individual chooses to participate in a clinical trial 

 

Individuals and small groups can purchase 

 

These marketplaces fill a gap for individuals 

 

enough or poor enough to qualify for Medicare or 

 

 

insurance companies and two national nonprofit 

plans will offer options that minimally include 

 

 

 

individuals). 

States were given the option of setting up their 

own insurance marketplace system or using the 

federal health exchanges. Individuals looking 

for health insurance can search for information 

 

can afford insurance but don’t buy it will pay a 

 

 

 

 

 

household income (whichever is greater). 

Medicaid eligibility has expanded to include 

 

Essential health 

benefits under the ACA 

 

(ACA) requires that health plans offered in 

 

 

categories: 

 

 

 

 

 

 

treatment 

 

 

devices 

 

 

disease management 

 

care. 

Healthcare Reform continued on page 15


National News 

Healthcare Reform continued from page 14 

 

for a family of four). Most of this expansion is 

funded by the federal government. States can opt 

out of offering the expansion; very poor working 

people without employer coverage are likely 

to be hit the hardest if their state opts out. As of 

 

 

and four others were considering it. 

Opportunities for nurses 

 

incorporate knowledge of healthcare reform 

into practice? Start with what you already know. 

Embrace excellence in everything you do. 

 

 

differences you and your colleagues make in 

 

you can embrace the role of being a caregiver while 

recognizing that your facility is a business that must 

stay financially solvent to keep its doors open. 

 

that it has helped push the quality focus. The 

 

but they offer a common place to begin. When you 

 

will have a positive impact on both the patient and 

your facility’s bottom line. 

 

 

opportunities in your facility and on your unit; 

then explore the literature for related best practices. 

 

standards to see if opportunities exist for your 

 

communication and collaboration. 

Hold brainstorming sessions to identify 

 

 

 

need for formal permission or approval? That might 

be a good starting point. Educate and engage 

 

your results so everyone can see its status. Network 

with your organization’s finance staff to see if the 

financial impact of your improvement project can 

be captured. 

Helpful resources on healthcare reform 

 

Centers for Medicaid & Medicare Services. Medicare Provider Charge Data 

 

 

Kaiser Health News. Interactive Chart: Bonuses and Penalities for U.S. Hospitals 

 

 

Medicare.gov: Hospital Compare: Hospital Readmission Reduction Program 

 

Medicare.gov: Hospital Compare: Total Performance Score Information (Value Based Purchasing) 

 

To increase your knowledge of your 

organization’s accomplishments toward better 

 

 

 

 

 

related projects. Engage patients to realize how 

 

Look for opportunities to better manage patients 

 

that cutting costs is synonymous with cutting 

services. 

Healthcare reform can be confusing—and 

you can’t fully comprehend it just by reading the 

 

a single article. Make the effort to increase your 

knowledge. It will be time well spent and will make 

you conversant on a topic that’s destined to be a 

fixture on the national scene for the foreseeable 

future. (See Helpful resources on healthcare reform.) 

When nurses can articulate the role they play in 

 

to convey the message that nursing is much more 

than a service that comes with the room charge. As 

 

of healthcare reform and its impact. Doing this will 

 

initiate and sustain more meaningful dialogue with 

other disciplines. As the nation attempts to fix its 

 

to influence and improve outcomes with virtually 

every decision we make. 

Visit www.AmericanNurseToday.com/Archives.aspx for 

a list of selected references. 

 

reserved. American Nurse Today www. 

AmericanNurseToday.com 

Lori L. Ewoldt is operations manager of the 

William J. von Liebig Center for Transplantation and 

Clinical Regeneration at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, 

Minnesota.


NortoN SouNd HealtH CorporatioN 

NSRH is a Joint Commission accredited facility with 18 acute care beds, 15 LTC 

beds serving the people of the Seward Peninsula and Bering Straits Region of 

Northwest Alaska. New hospital now open! 

Contact 

Rhonda Schneider, Human Resources 

rmschneider@nshcorp.org 

 

‣ RNs 

 

www.nortonsoundhealth.org 

 

MAKE A DIFFERENCE 

 

 

Undergraduate Degree Options 

 

 

students 

Graduate Degree Options 

 

Clinical Nurse Leader 

 

 

 

Now Hiring: Campus Director, Tenure and 

 

See our current vacancy announcements at www.montana.edu/nursing

The Pulse - May 2014

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