2018 TNA and TSNA Joint Annual Conference

2018 TNA-TSNA JOINT CONFERENCE | ADVOCACY IN ACTION
Recommendations for Practice/Research:
The Green Means Go program enhanced student’s knowledge about asthma management and asthma
exacerbation prevention. This knowledge was supported through the improvement of test scores of the
post-test versus the pre-test. We identified a community partnership with an urban elementary school with
hopes to continue and sustain the program for future cohorts of VUSN students. Future projects should
implement a home visit program in accordance with the Green Means Go lesson plans as well as provide
materials for teachers and parents to provide continuing asthma education for students.
Evolution of the APRN/RN First Assistant Role: Advocating Change in Tennessee
Nancy Appling (Presenter)
Diane Pace (Co-Presenter)
Problem Addressed:
An increasing number of APRNs are seeking role preparation as Registered Nurse First Assistants (RNFA).
The increased education and skill set are highly marketable and heightens the level of patient care for the
perioperative patient. The Association of periOperative Room Nurses (AORN) has established RNFA program
curriculum standards. The Competency and Credentialing Institute (CCI), the credentialing body for the
RNFA certification exam posts “acceptable RNFA programs” on their website. Of the 16 programs listed on
the website, 4 are university based. The University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Nursing
developed the first RNFA program in the state. In 2016, Tennessee legislators, without full understanding of
the AORN national standards for RNFA education, enacted RNFA title protection that omitted APRNs from
title protection. Paradoxically, APRN certified RNFAs are the only RNFAs eligible for Medicaid, Medicare and
most third-party reimbursement. The 2017 TNA general assembly voted to support a resolution to modify the
existing statue for RNFA title protection. The proposed resolution is currently in committee.
Objectives:
Identify the evolving role for APRNs as RN First Assistants
Discuss the AORN National Standards for education of the APRN RNFA
Describe Credentialing requirements for certification of the RNFA
Advocate for APRN inclusion into RNFA Title Protection in the state of Tennessee
Methods/Procedures:
N/A
Findings:
N/A
Recommendations for Practice/Research:
Advocacy for change in state title protection for the APRN RNFA
Increase awareness of legislative process and resources
Promote reimbursement parity for RNFAs
Expansion of Nurse Practitioner Scope of Practice to Include
Buprenorphine for Addiction: An Advocacy Brief
Heather Jackson (Presenter)
Alexis Weber (Co-Presenter)
Problem Addressed:
Over the past twenty years the United States has suffered from an opioid epidemic, which continues to
threaten public health. Opioid dependence and illicit drug use contributes to crime and disruption to the
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