New Mexico Nurse - April 2021

The Official 

Publication of 

VOLUME 66 • NUMBER 2 APRIL 2021 

Advocating for Nursing Practice 

Since 1921 

Quarterly publication sent to more than 25,850 Registered Nurses and Licensed Practical Nurses in New 

Mexico. Provided to New Mexico’s Nursing Community by the New Mexico Nurses Association 

A Constituent of the American Nurses Association • (505) 471-3324 • http://www.nmna.org/ 

Inside 

The Nurse Appreciation Effort Continues 

Page 3 

New Mexico Nurses Association 

Announces 

Summer 2021 launch of the Nurse Advocacy Fellowship 

“Professional Advocacy for Nursing Empowerment” 

A Year-long Program 

Watch for Announcements calling for Applications for Program Fellows 

Legislation of Note During the 2021 

New Mexico Legislative Session 

Page 6 

• Core Concepts introduced in an Interactive Classroom Setting with Experts in the Field 

• Develop Critical Strategies for Professional Initiatives alongside Nurse Leaders 

• In-depth Hands-on Experience at the Legislature in Advocacy for the Professional 

• Results in a Fellowship Recognition and On-going Leadership Opportunities 

• Participate in the Inaugural Graduating Class 

• Substantial Continuing Education Credits 

The Nurse Within: Peer-Based Support 

Group Meeting for Nurses 

Supporting Nurses 

Page 11 

current resident or 

Presort Standard 

US Postage 

PAID 

Permit #14 

Princeton, MN 

55371 

The Building Blocks of Advocacy 

Beyond exceptional advocacy for patients, how do nurses 

advocate for the profession and better health care? 

Sheena Ferguson MSN, RN, ANAI Fellow 

Nurses understand their professional duty to 

advocate for their patients. We excel at this role. 

We are lauded each year in the Gallup survey 

where we continue to be ranked by the public 

as the most trusted professional for honesty and 

ethics. Since 1999 when nurses were added to 

the poll, with the exception of 2001 and 9/11, 

nurses have topped Gallup's Honesty and Ethics 

list for 19 consecutive years. Certainly, due to 

our extraordinary care during the pandemic, 

nurses have become more visible and recognized 

for their patient advocacy. In 2021, nurses 

have seen the percentage increase with nurses 

receiving a high or very high trust rating of 

89%. This relationship with patients, and the 

bond we share, is considered “downstream advocacy.” 

The nurse directs advocacy efforts to a patient, which 

can mean an individual, a family, a neighborhood, or a 

community. 

There are many examples of this, and the reader 

can also provide many examples of nursing efforts to 

advocate for patients. Here are a few of many that I 

witnessed first-hand: 

• A nurse who takes a pet home when a homeless 

person gets admitted, recognizing that this pet is 

the only family a patient may have; 

• A nurse who has a patient repeatedly admitted 

for DKA because they cannot afford insulin, and 

works to get the patient’s insulin covered; 

The Building Blocks of Advocacy continued on page 4

Page 2 • The New Mexico Nurse April, May, June 2021 

ARE YOU LICENSED TO 

PRACTICE IN NEW MEXICO? 

The New Mexico Nurses Association invites you to join us 

today... 

And help determine the impact of health care policy on 

nursing practice... 

Just because you are receiving this newsletter, it does not 

mean you are a member of NMNA. 

See page 15 for ANA/New Mexico Membership Application 

and join today! 

The New Mexico Nurse is published quarterly every January, 

April, July and October by the Arthur L. Davis Publishing 

Agency, Inc. for the New Mexico Nurses Association, a 

constituent member of the American Nurses Association. 

For advertising rates and information, please contact 

Arthur L. Davis Publishing Agency, Inc., PO Box 216, 

Cedar Falls, Iowa 50613, (800) 626-4081, sales@aldpub. 

com. NMNA 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 New Mexico 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. NMNA 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 NMNA or those of the national or local associations. 

New Mexico Nurse is a juried nursing publication for 

nurses licensed in New Mexico. The Editorial Board 

reviews articles submitted for publication and articles for 

consideration should be submitted to dwalker@nmna.org. 

Visit www.JoinANA.org 

for complete information. 

NMNA Board, Committee Chairs and Staff 

President: Gloria Doherty, PhDc, MSN, 

Adult Health Nurse Specialist, ACNP-BC 

Vice President: Michael Shannon, MSN, BSN 

Treasurer: Barbara Salas CNP 

Secretary: Lisa Leiding, DNP, MSN, RN 

Camille Adair, RN 

Directors: 

Keith Carlson, RN, BSN, NC-BC 

Rachel Frija DNP, SN, RN-BC 

Siri GuruNam Khalsa MSN, RN 

I finally found a 

nursing career that is 

great for me and my 

family! 

Judy Liesveld BSN, MS, PhD 

Lisa Marie Turk MSN, RN 

Mario Valencia MBA, MSN, RN 

Committees: 

Government Relations Committee 

Christine De Lucas , DNP, MPH, RN 

Guest Editor Deborah Walker, MSN, RN 

NMNA Website: www.nmna.org 

Office Mailing Address: P.O. Box 418, Santa Fe, NM 87504 

Office Phone: 505-471-3324 

Be a nurse who helps create a healthier New Mexico! 

Apply today! 

Public Health: 

Heather Black, 505-827-2308, heather.black@state.nm.us 

In-Patient Facilities: 

Heather Black, 505-827-2308, heather.black@state.nm.us 

Developmental Disabilities Division: 

Elizabeth Finley, 505-841-2907 

Division of Health Improvement: 

Stephanie Metarelis, 505-476-9033 

Epidemiology and Response Division: 

Liana Lujan, 505-476-8220 

We offer a 

competitive salary 

and benefits 

package, and one 

of the best public 

retirement plans in 

the nation. 

An Accredited Health 

Department by the 

Public Health 

Accreditation Board 

since 2015 

For more information go to: http://www.spo.state.nm.us/ 

Executive Director: Deborah Walker, MSN, RN 

PO Box 418 Santa Fe, NM 87504 

Office: 505-471-3324 Cell: 505-660-3890 

Continuing Education Coordinator: 

Suzanne Canfield, MBA, BSN, RN 

ceapps@mnna.org 505-690-6975 

Peer Reviewers: 

Phyllis Chester, DNP, MS, BC-FNP, RN 

Becky Gonzales, MSN, RN, BC/BS 

Susan Jurica, MSN, BSN, RN 

Cynthia Nuttall, PhD, RN, NE-BC 

Claudia Phillips, MSN-Ed, RN 

Barbara Shortt, BSN, RN 

www.nmna.org 

Published by: 

Arthur L. Davis 

Publishing Agency, Inc.

April, May, June 2021 The New Mexico Nurse • Page 3 

The Nurse Appreciation Effort Continues 

Most recently nurses at Christus St. Vincent, Presbyterian Santa Fe and Espanola, 

Lovelace Heart and the main Lovelace Hospital in Albuquerque were recognized by 

their nursing community through the effort. 

$10,000 SIGN ON BONUS! 

Cedar Park Regional is offering a 

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assistance for RNs with at least one 

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following areas: 

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Cedar Park Regional Medical Center is a 126 

bed acute care facility located in the northwest 

corridor of Austin, Texas, one of the fastest 

growing areas in the nation. 

The area offers an abundance of outdoor 

activities with many parks, hiking and bike trails. 

Austin is known as the culture center of Texas 

and prides itself on being dubbed the live music 

capital of the world. The area will not disappoint 

with many diverse shopping venues, amazing 

dining experiences, microbreweries and wineries 

to suit every taste. 

Apply online at www.cedarparkregional.com


The Building Blocks of Advocacy continued from page 1 

• A nurse who helps intervene for a patient who 

has multiple run-ins with law enforcement, and 

he creates a care plan for this patient and shares 

with the near-by station; 

• A nurse practitioner in rural NM who cannot 

dispense in her town that is without a pharmacy 

and struggles with a pharmacy 57 miles away in 

another town to get medications to her patient. 

For each of these examples, there are often similar 

stories of nurses throughout New Mexico trying to 

accomplish the same things, right? What if nurses 

could address these issues by advocating for change at 

a state-wide level. Wouldn’t that impact more patients, 

and assist more nurses who are all struggling to make 

health care better? Easier? Patient-centric? 

This type of advocacy is called “upstream advocacy” 

in that it filters down or impacts many situations; and 

ultimately shapes public policy. 

Upstream advocacy is changing practice barriers 

with legislation or practice rules that let nurses do 

better for their clients by correcting problems before 

they reach the client, including changes that make 

them better as well for the nurse. How would you fix 

these four problems presented? 

Opportunities in Bernalillo, Deming, Gallup, 

Las Vegas, Los Lunas, Roswell and Taos! 

• A nurse who takes a pet home when a homeless 

person gets admitted, recognizing that this pet is 

the only family a patient may have, and becomes 

the juggernaut that creates a policy to correct this 

situation for other patients in the same situation 

in other hospitals. She starts talking to other 

nurses in her specialty association and they begin 

working with shelters who will tag the animal as 

the owner is known but in a special situation; 

• A nurse who has a patient repeatedly admitted 

for DKA because they cannot afford insulin, 

and lobbies government to facilitate insurance 

companies to change what is covered and results 

in an inexpensive medication being covered; 

• A nurse who intervenes for a patient who has 

multiple run-ins with law enforcement and helps 

educate law enforcement on intervening with 

behavioral health patients to better understand 

de-escalation techniques. This education reduces 

trauma for the law enforcement team who suffers 

when a situation gets out of control; 

• A nurse practitioner in rural NM who cannot 

dispense in her town that is without a pharmacy 

and struggles with a pharmacy 57 miles away 

in another town to get medications to her 

patient, decides there must be a better way, and 

goes to her state Senator and Representative 

to bring forward legislative changes that can 

benefit practitioners and patients in other towns 

across New Mexico who struggle with the same 

problem. 

The American Nurses Association (ANA) believes 

that advocacy is a pillar of nursing. Nurses instinctively 

advocate for their patients in their workplace and 

in their communities, but legislative and political 

advocacy is no less important” (ANA, 2021). 

We know from several recent studies that nurses 

are extremely skilled at problem-solving and using 

innovative thinking to make care better for their 

patients. However, too many of us lack the basic skills 

to effectively bring about necessary improvements to 

health care. Nurses can often be heard to say “I am not 

political; I just want to take care of my patients.” At the 

same time, we complain that nothing ever changes, 

and things do not improve. And the truth is that the 

power, knowledge, and expertise is within our grasp to 

make vast improvements. 

- How does our profession build professional 

political advocacy skills? 

- Is there adequate exposure in our educational 

programs? 

- How can we work together to attain the critical 

knowledge and experience? 

For the last four decades, the New Mexico Nurses 

Association has had legislative action programs for 

students and for licensed nurses (now branded as 

NMNA’s Capitol Challenge). What we have not had is 

sufficient numbers of educated advocates to speak 

with a concerted voice of the science that creates a 

focused and consistent message on professional issues. 

An example? We can provide many! 

• Independent practice for certified nurse midwives 

consistent with our education and training. 

• Recognition of clinical nurse specialists as 

advanced practice nurses. 

• Conscious sedation provided by educated and 

experienced registered nurses. 

• Shaken Baby Education Prevention legislation to 

combat one of the nation’s highest injury rates. 

• Safe Harbor legislation, the second state in the 

nation to have such a program. 

PCM is Now Hiring RNs/LPNs, 

Sign-On Bonus Available 

APPLY ONLINE AT 

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Do you have a practice issue that you believe is a 

statewide issue that would benefit your profession 

and your patients’ health care outcomes? Consider the 

New Mexico Nurses Association fellowship program 

in professional advocacy. Learn how professional 

advocacy works. Learn how you can be a part of it! 

• Be informed and participate in your nurses’ 

association & specialty organizations. 

• Every year there are state and national calls for 

action, bring those concerns forward! 

• Volunteer to help, get in the game. Identify an 

intervention that corrects a problem. 

Here is an example of proposed legislation that 

would have been catastrophic for our patients. 

Our colleagues, the Ultrasonographers, reside 

in the department of environmental safety, not in 

the department of health. Because of this, a bill 

was introduced several years ago that was almost 

overlooked by our nurses association. Basically, and 

this is simplified for space and your reading time, 

the bill proposed to our legislators that patients 

were being injured, burned, by nurses using ionized 

radiation. Nurses use non-ionizing radiation in the 

form of ultrasound: bladder scanners, PICC line and IV 

insertion, pulse oximetry, doppler, and the advanced 

practice nurses use ultrasound in F.A.S.T. exams and 

for fetal assessments, as two examples. Now, we 

do love our ultrasonographers, and at the time the 

legislation was proposed, there were about 20,000 

nurses, and 450 sonographers in our great state. And 

while there are not enough Ultrasonographers to 

cover 24/7/365; there also was not a patient safety 

or quality issue to require the change anyway. Our 

nursing advocate team went to work; we calculated 

in one of the large hospitals there were probably 

around 5,000 interventions a day that were required 

to use ultrasound technology but did not require an 

ultrasonographer. Nurses across New Mexico said, 

“this cannot be allowed to stand.” No one wanted to 

go back to I & O catheterizations, multiple unnecessary 

“sticks” for our patients, and well, you can see where 

this was going. Our association asked us to call our 

legislators and educate them about what was at stake 

for their constituents. We packed the chamber during 

hearings, we gave powerful testimony, and we stated 

what was at risk if the ultrasound bill proceeded. 

The bill was tabled until the ultrasonographers 

and nurses sat down and negotiated and worked on 

a bill that would not harm patients or impede care. 

That happened because nurses were engaged and 

advocated for our profession and our patients. It was a 

prime example of negotiation ...for patients, for nursing 

practice. 

What can you do to become active as an advocate? 

What are you doing now? 

At a minimum, this is how we make a difference…. 

• If you can call a legislator? 

• If you can write a letter? 

• If you can help, the time is now. 

• Email the New Mexico Nurses Association at 

dwalker@nmna.org or me: nmsionnagh@gmail. 

com 

• We have a fellowship program starting late Spring 

2021: Apply!!!! 

• An entire course over one year: 

- Classroom activities 

- Strategy and planning calls 

- Hands-on practicum 

- Extended legislative experience 

- Practical application 

- Certificate and Recognition 

Join us, help determine what else can we accomplish 

together !!!!! 

Selected references: 

https://dailynurse.com/gallup-2020-america-trusts-themost-trusted-profession-more-than-ever 

https://www.nursingworld.org) 

CCNE Accredited BSN Programs 

• Pre-Licensure BSN 

• Fully-Online RN-to-BSN 

New Programs in Graduate Nursing 

• Fully-Online MSN 

• Post-MSN FNP Certificate Program (Summer 2021) 

Western New Mexico University 

School of Nursing 

sonak.wnmu.edu 

575-538-6960 

nursing@wnmu.edu


Legislation of Note During the 2021 Legislative Session 

Contact the NMNA Office for Final Outcomes 

New Mexico Legislators became adept at bill 

introduction, committee hearings, testimony from 

expert witnesses and the public, and floor session..... 

VIRTUALLY !! Yet another challenge presented by the 

pandemic. 

Our lobbyist, Linda Siegle, has worked harder than 

any other year given the challenges of lobbying virtually 

and by text!!! It has not been uncommon that she has 

three different computers on at the same time to cover 

multiple hearings and to be able to zoom in and out to 

provide testimony and comment on our bills of interest. 

And of course, prcoedures in committees for the 

House and Senate were different. Below are the bills of 

interest to NMNA during the session. Please contact 

NMNA for final outcomes as the New Mexico Nurse 

goes to print before the end of the Session, 

Bill: 

Sponsors: 

Title: 

Summary: 

Subjects: 

Related: 

Progress: 

Status: 

HB7 

Cadena (D33); Egolf (D47); Ferrary 

(D37); Armstrong, D. (D17); Louis (D26) 

DECRIMINALIZE ABORTION 

(Duplicate of 2021 SB10; identical 

to 2019 HB51, 2018 HB16 and 2017 

HB473) Repeals sections of the 

Criminal Code that criminalize and 

provide penalties for performing 

abortions. 

Health and Medical Practice; 

Criminal Code; Family and Juveniles; 

Constitutional Issues and Amendments; 

Civil Rights 

2021:SB10 

1st House: Reported from Committees 

02/02/2021 – House Calendar 

History: 

01/25/2021—H Introduced and 

referred to House Health & Human 

Services. 

01/25/2021—H Also referred to House 

Judiciary. 

01/28/2021—H Reported Do Pass by 

House Health & Human Services. 


House Judiciary. 

Scheduled: 02/16/2021—House Calendar, 11:00 

a.m., Virtual 

Bill: 

Sponsors: 

Title: 

Summary: 

Subjects: 

Related: 

Progress: 

Status: 

History: 

HB13 

Barreras (I12) 

EMERGENCY MEDICAL ASSISTANCE 

FOR NONCITIZENS 

(Related to 2021 HB112) Requires 

emergency medical assistance to be 

made available to noncitizens who 

meet Medicaid eligibility requirements 

but whose immigration status does not 

qualify them for Medicaid. Amends the 

Public Assistance Act. 

Health and Medical Practice; Human 

Services; Family and Juveniles 

2021:HB112 



01/25/2021—H Introduced and referred 

to House Health & Human Services. 


State Government, Elections & Indian 

Affairs. 

Bill: 

Sponsors: 

Title: 

Summary: 

Subjects: 

Progress: 

Status: 



02/11/2021—H Referral withdrawn from 

House State Government, Elections & 

Indian Affairs. 

02/11/2021—H Referred to House 

Appropriations & Finance. 

02/11/2021—H Reported Do Pass as 

amended by House State Government, 

Elections & Indian Affairs. 

HB24 

Sarinana (D21) 

SCHOOL DISTRICT FULL TIME NURSE 

REQUIRED 

(For the Legislative Education Study 

Committee) (Related to 2020 HB321 

and SB132; 2019 SB31) Requires each 

school district to employ at least one 

full time nurse each school year unless 

it is a rural district to which Public 

Education Department (PED) grants 

a waiver; sets waiver requirements; 

requires PED to promulgate rules; 

conditions PED approval of district 

operating budget on meeting the 

requirement in its educational plan. 

Schools and Teachers; State Affairs and 

State Agencies; Interim Studies and 

Interim Committees; Public Finance 

and Budgets 

1st House: Referred to Committee 

02/02/2021 – House Education 

Committee


History: 

Bill: 

Sponsors: 

Title: 

Summary: 

Subjects: 

Progress: 

01/04/2021—H Prefiled in the House. 


referred to House Education. 


Health & Human Services. 

02/02/2021—H Referral withdrawn 

from House Health & Human Services. 



HB32 

Sarinana (D21) 

FULL TIME NURSE REQUIRED IN EVERY 

SCHOOL 

Related to HB24 for the LESC, which 

applies to school districts; 2020 HB321 

and SB132; 2019 SB31) 

Amends the Public School Code and 

the Charter School Law to require each 

school to employ at least one full time 

nurse each school year, unless it is a 

rural school to which Public Education 

Department (PED) grants a waiver; sets 

waiver requirements; requires PED to 

promulgate rules. PED may not approve 

the operating budget of a charter 

school that does not provide for a full 

time nurse nor have a PED waiver. 

Appropriates $5.0 million (GF) to PED 

for FY2022 to assist schools with hiring 

school nurses 


State Agencies; Appropriations; Interim 

Studies and Interim Committees; Public 

Finance and Budgets 


Status: 

History: 

Bill: 

Sponsors: 

Title: 

Summary: 

Subjects: 

Progress: 

Status: 

History: 

02/02/2021 – House Education 

Committee 



to House Education. 


Health & Human Services. 

02/02/2021—H Referral withdrawn 

from House Health & Human Services. 



HB35 

Matthews (D27); Sweetser (D32); Dow 

(R38) 

INDEPENDENT ROLE FOR NURSE 

ANESTHETISTS 

(For the Legislative Health and Human 

Services Committee) Broadens the 

scope of practice of a certified 

registered nurse anesthetist to 

authorize functioning in either an 

independent role or in collaboration 

with other health care providers (in 

accordance with the policies of a health 

care facility). 

Health and Medical Practice; Labor 

1st House: Passed 

02/12/2021 – Passed in the House 





State Government, Elections & Indian 

Affairs. 

Bill: 

Sponsors: 

Title: 

Summary: 




House State Government, Elections & 

Indian Affairs. 

02/12/2021—H Opened for floor 

debate. 

02/12/2021—H Passed 69 0. 

HB47 

Armstrong, D. (D17); Hochman Vigil 

(D15); Stefanics (D39); O'Neill (D13) 

ELIZABETH WHITEFIELD END OF LIFE 

OPTIONS ACT 

(Substantially the same as 2019 HB90 

and SB153; related to 2017 HB171 and 

SB252) Cited as the Elizabeth Whitefield 

End of Life Options Act, House Bill 47 

would provide terminally ill adults who 

are mentally competent the option of 

having medical assistance in bringing 

about their own death. Under current 

law, it is illegal for a health care provider 

to write a prescription for a patient to 

end life. Establishes rights, procedures 

and protections related to medical aid 

in dying. Removes criminal liability for 

attending health care providers who 

provide assistance. The act is not to 

be construed as authorization for a 

physician or other person to end a life 

by lethal injection, mercy killing, or 

euthanasia. Actions taken in accordance 

with provisions of the act shall not be 

construed to constitute suicide, assisted 

suicide, euthanasia, mercy killing, 

homicide, or adult abuse. 

Legislation of Note During the...continued on page 8 

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Legislation of Note During the...continued from page 7 

Subjects: 

Related: 

Progress: 

Status: 

History: 

Bill: 

Sponsors: 

Title: 

Summary: 

Subjects: 

Progress: 

Status: 

History: 

Bill: 

Sponsors: 

Title: 

Summary: 

Aging; Civil Rights; Courts and Civil 

Matters; Criminal Code; Health and 

Medical Practice; Human Services; 

Insurance 

2019:HB90; 2019:SB153; 2017:HB171; 

2017:SB252 







Judiciary. 


amended by House Health & Human 

Services. 


amended by House Judiciary. 

HB104 

Allison (D4) 

EXPAND RURAL HEALTH CARE 

PRACTITIONER TAX CREDIT 

(Related to 2020 HB270 and HB275) 

Expands the Rural Health Care 

Practitioner Tax Credit of up to $3,000 

to all licensed midwives and registered 

nurses and to essential health care 

workers who provided assistance 

to other health care professionals 

during the coronavirus pandemic. 

Defines “essential health infrastructure 

operations, including custodial and 

security staff. 

Health and Medical Practice; Taxation, 

Fees and Audits 


02/02/2021 – House Taxation and 

Revenue Committee 





Taxation & Revenue. 



HB123 

Armstrong, D. (D17) 

OVERDOSE PREVENTION PROGRAMS 

AND LIMITED IMMUNITY 

(Related to 2019 SB282) Authorizes 

counties and municipalities to establish 

by ordinance overdose prevention 

programs and provides limited 

immunity for persons who provide 

services for or use approved overdose 

prevention programs. 

Subjects: 

Related: 

Progress: 

Status: 

History: 

Scheduled: 

Bill: 

Sponsors: 

Title: 

Summary: 

Subjects: 

Related: 

Progress: 

Status: 

History: 

Bill: 

Sponsors: 

Title: 

Summary: 

Subjects: 

Progress: 

Status: 

History: 

Bill: 

Sponsors: 

Title: 


Services; Criminal Code; Public Safety 

and Corrections; Municipalities/City 

Government; County Affairs; State 

Affairs and State Agencies 

2019:SB282 


02/04/2021 – House Judiciary 

Committee 



Services. 


Judiciary. 



02/17/2021—House Judiciary 

Committee, 1:30 p.m., Virtual 

HB220 

Herrera (D41) 

HEALTH CARE FACILITIES CONTRACT 

DEFINITION 

(Duplicate of 2021 SB179; related 

to 2021 HB240) Allows issuance of 

bonds for county skilled nursing and 

rehabilitation hospitals; proposes 

the enactment of the 2021 Public 

Securities Validation Act and changes 

the definition of “health care facilities 

contract in the Hospital Funding 

Act. Proclaims that the validation act 

shall supply such legislative authority 

as necessary to validate any public 

securities issued or acts taken when 

the securities were issued. 

Public Finance and Budgets; Health 

and Medical Practice; County Affairs 

2021:SB179; 2021:HB240 


02/02/2021 – House Health and 

Human Services Committee 



Services. 


Judiciary. 

HB269 

Cook (R56) 

DISCLOSURE OF MEDICAL RECORDS 

Authorizes disclosure by a provider, 

health care institution, health 

information exchange or health care 

group purchases, of an individual’s 

electronic medical records to a provider, 

health care institution, or health 

care group purchaser for treatment, 

payment, or health care operation 

activities provided the disclosure follows 

federal HIPAA regulations and 42 

USC Sec. 290dd d (Confidentiality of 

records). 

Health and Medical Practice; Insurance 


02/09/2021 – House Health and Human 

Services Committee 




Judiciary. 

SB31 

Stefanics (D39) 

FULL TIME NURSE REQUIRED IN EVERY 

SCHOOL DISTRICT 

Summary: 

Subjects: 

Related: 

Progress: 

Status: 

History: 

Bill: 

Sponsors: 

Title: 

Summary: 

Subjects: 

Progress: 

Status: 

History: 

Bill: 

Sponsors: 

Title: 

Summary: 

Subjects: 

Related: 

Progress: 

Status: 

History: 

Bill: 

Sponsors: 

Title: 

(Duplicate of 2021 HB24; related to 

2021 HB32; 2020 HB321 and SB132; 

2019 SB31) Requires each school 

district to employ at least one full time 

nurse each school year unless it is a 

rural district to which Public Education 

Department (PED) grants a waiver; sets 

waiver requirements; requires PED to 

educational plan. 


State Agencies; Interim Studies and 

Interim Committees; Public Finance and 

Budgets 

2021:HB24; 2021:HB32; 2020:HB321; 

2020:SB132; 2019:SB31 


02/01/2021 – Senate Finance 

Committee 

01/19/2021—S Introduced and referred 

to Senate Education. 

01/19/2021—S Also referred to Senate 

Finance. 

02/01/2021—S Reported Do Pass as 

amended by Senate Education. 

SB46 

Padilla (D14) 

NURSES DISPENSING METHADONE 

Authorizes a registered or licensed 

practical nurse employed by a DOH 

approved opioid treatment program to 

dispense a maximum 27 day supply of 

methadone for take home purposes to 

a client of the program. 

Health and Medical Practice 


02/01/2021 – Senate Judiciary 

Committee 


to Senate Health and Public Affairs. 


Judiciary. 

02/01/2021—S Reported Do Pass by 

Senate Health and Public Affairs. 

SB61 

Ortiz y Pino (D12) 

RURAL PRIMARY CARE CLINICIAN 

LOAN REPAYMENT ACT 

(For the Legislative Health and Human 

Services Committee) (Similar to 2019 

SB133) Cited as the Rural Primary 

Care Clinician Loan Repayment Act, 

provides a program, administered by 

the Department of Health, to award 

funds to eligible organizations to repay 

the loans of eligible clinicians who 

agree to provide health care services in 

underserved areas. 


Services; Appropriations 

2019:SB133 


02/01/2021 – Senate Finance 

Committee 


to Senate Indian, Rural & Cultural 

Affairs. 


Finance. 

02/01/2021—S Reported Do Pass as 

amended by Senate Indian, Rural & 

Cultural Affairs. 

SB184 

Stefanics (D39); Ferrary (D37) 

CONGENITAL SYPHILIS TESTING


Summary: 

Subjects: 

Progress: 

Status: 

History: 

Bill: 

Sponsors: 

Title: 

Summary: 

Subjects: 

Related: 

Progress: 

Status: 

History: 

Bill: 

Sponsors: 

Title: 

Requires physicians to test pregnant 

women for syphilis during pregnancy 

and at delivery pursuant to federal CDC 

testing guidelines. 

Health and Medical Practice; Family and 

Juveniles 


02/01/2021 – Senate Health and Public 

Affairs Committee 




Judiciary. 

SB201 

Padilla (D14) 

INDEPENDENT ROLE FOR CERTIFIED 

REGISTERED NURSE ANESTHETISTS 

(Duplicate of 2021 HB35) Broadens 

the scope of practice of a certified 

registered nurse anesthetist to authorize 

functioning in either an independent 

role or in collaboration with other health 

care providers (in accordance with the 

policies of a health care facility). 

Health and Medical Practice; Labor 

2021:HB35 







Judiciary. 

SB239 

Stefanics (D39) 

MEDICAL MALPRACTICE ACT 

CHANGES 

Summary: (Related to 2021 HB75 and 2019 

HB629) Amends the definition of 

“health care provider” and “malpractice 

claim” in the Medical Malpractice 

Act, raises recoverable limits, prohibits 

disclosure of certain confidential 

information; creates a Medical 

Malpractice Act Advisory Committee. 

Subjects: 

Related: 

Progress: 

Status: 

History: 

Bill: 

Sponsors: 

Title: 

Summary: 

Subjects: 

Progress: 

Status: 

History: 

Bill: 

Sponsors: 

Title: 

Summary: 

Subjects: 

Progress: 

Status: 

History: 


Services; Insurance 

2021:HB75; 2021:HB629 







Judiciary. 

SB244 

Hickey (D20) 

EXEMPTION FROM CHILD 

IMMUNIZATION 

Authorizes a certified nurse practitioner 

to prepare a certificate stating that the 

physical condition of a child is such that 

immunization would seriously endanger 

the life or health of the child. Currently 

only a duly licensed physician can 

prepare such a certificate. 

Family and Juveniles; Health and 

Medical Practice 







Judiciary. 

SB282 

Hickey (D20) 

ELECTRONIC HEALTH RECORD 

DISCLOSURE 

Allows disclosures of medical records 

for treatment, payment, and other 

activities. 

Health and Medical Practice; Insurance; 

Information Technology 






Bill: 

Sponsors: 

Title: 

Summary: 

Subjects: 

Related: 

Progress: 

Status: 

History: 


Judiciary. 

SB308 

Stefanics (D39); Hamblen (D38); O'Neill 

(D13) 

ELIZABETH WHITEFIELD END OF LIFE 

OPTIONS ACT 

(Duplicate of 2021 HB47; substantially 

the same as 2019 HB90 and SB153; 

related to 2017 HB171 and SB252) 

Cited as the Elizabeth Whitefield End 

of Life Options Act, House Bill 47 

would provide terminally ill adults who 

are mentally competent the option of 

having medical assistance in bringing 

about their own death. Under current 

law, it is illegal for a health care provider 

to write a prescription for a patient to 

end life. Establishes rights, procedures 

and protections related to medical aid 

in dying. Removes criminal liability for 

attending health care providers who 

provide assistance. The act is not to 

be construed as authorization for a 

physician or other person to end a life 

by lethal injection, mercy killing, or 

euthanasia. Actions taken in accordance 

with provisions of the act shall not be 

construed to constitute suicide, assisted 

suicide, euthanasia, mercy killing, 

homicide, or adult abuse. 


Services; Criminal Code 

2021:HB47; 2019:HB90; 2019:SB153; 

2017:HB171; 2017:SB252 







Judiciary. 

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Nursing Professional Development: Lifelong Learning 

Suzanne J. Canfield, MBA, BSN, RN, NPD-BC 

NMNA Accredited Approver Program Director 

Nursing Professional Development (NPD) has evolved 

into its own recognized nursing specialty. One essential 

element of nursing professional development is the 

continuing education of licensed professional RN’s. 

The American Nurses Credentialing Center’s (ANCC) 

accreditation and approval processes identified in 

the 2015 Primary Accreditation Approver Application 

Manual (1st ed.) and Harper, M.G, & Maloney, P. 

(2016) set the bar for quality nursing professional 

development. The words, nursing professional 

development, infer further development of the 

nurse who is already a licensed professional. Nursing 

professional development includes both post-license 

academic education and continued nursing education 

provided to RN’s in practice. NPD practitioners, as 

mentors, leaders and learning facilitators, support 

organizations as well as RN’s professional growth 

in both arenas. Shinners and Graebe (2020) stated, 

“Although the individual nurse is responsible for their 

educational choices, the NPD practitioner provides 

guidance to meet both professional and organizational 

goals.” 

Academic pre-licensure nursing education involves 

the theoretical and practical training to prepare 

students for their roles as nursing professionals. The 

courses direct nursing students to independent status 

as registered nurses. Both pre-license nursing education 

and nursing professional development involve thinking 

critically, communicating accurately, and performing 

nursing interventions in a caring and ethical manner. 

However, pre-licensure education is focused on 

teaching and learning the basics of professional 

nursing, as well as health and illness concepts. (see NM 

Nursing Education Consortium on-line model below.) 

The academics are focused on introducing nursing 

students to the standards of professional nursing care, 

as the specific goals and objectives related to those 

standards are conveyed. The learning needs have been 

pre-determined by those standards which must be well 

understood to become licensed. 

Nursing continuing professional development builds 

upon professional licensed nurses’ education and 

experience. This phrase is often used interchangeably 

with continuing nursing education (CNE), which 

continues to evolve. Nursing professional development 

has a systems model (See model below) (Harper 

and Maloney, p.10) which is based upon inputs, 

throughputs and outputs. 

Rather than being pre-determined, nursing professional 

development is initiated by: 

Assessing nurses’ learning needs based upon 

evidence 

Performing gap analyses 

Planning activities that use adult learning and 

specific design principles 

Evaluating the learning outcomes of participants 

Completing summary evaluations of activities by 

NPD practitioners/Nurse Planners. 

Evidence-based practice grounded in current 

research is at the core of all NPD. Nursing Continuing 

Professional Development that is approved to award 

credit hours by ANCC/NMNA must include these 

components. 

To meet the American Nurses Credentialing 

Center’s concepts, as presented in the 2015 Primary 

Accreditation Approver Application Manual (1st ed.) 

for awarding contact hours for nursing continuing 

professional development, the NPD Practitioner/Nurse 

Planner should begin with these questions: 

(Reprinted with permission from New Mexico Nursing Education Consortium.) 

800.559.2243 chomecare.com 

(Reprinted with permission from Association for Nursing Professional Development.)


“Why plan this activity here and now? 

“What is the issue and what evidence points to this 

issue?” 

“Is the issue educational, or is it administrative or 

behavioral?” 

If the issue is educational, the next questions are: 

“What are the nurses’ current states, which may 

vary, in relation to the identified issue?” 

“What are the desired states to be achieved by this 

activity?” 

“What are the gaps between those states - 

knowledge, skill or practice?” 

“Will this activity build upon nurses’ knowledge and 

experience? 

Once these are identified, planning the activity should 

begin. The questions are: 

“Who is the target audience?” 

“Who are the stakeholders that should plan the 

activity?” 

“What evidence-based research and which experts 

can provide the content for this activity?” 

“Using Adult Learning Principles, what are the best 

active learning strategies that are appropriate for this 

audience?” 

“What are the participants’ Learning Outcomes 

of this activity and how will those outcomes be 

measured immediately at the end of the activity?” 

Finally, the last questions are: 

“Were the Learning Outcomes met for the 

participants?” 

“How will the feedback from the participants be 

evaluated?” 

“What would be changed if the activity is offered 

again?” 

Once the NPD Practitioner/Nurse Planner has 

responded to these questions, he/she is following 

the process to meet ANCC/NMNA criteria to award 

Nursing Continuing Professional Development (NCPD) 

contact hours. Although there may be some crossover, 

these questions are based on learning needs of the 

practicing professional nurse which differ from the prelicensure 

nursing students’ foundational education. 

All educational activities are not appropriate for 

awarding ANCC/NMNA approved contact hours. For 

example, training by a commercial interest’s employee 

to use a new device or supply involves a conflict of 

interest. Breakfast, lunch and breaks may not be 

counted in contact hour calculations unless the speaker 

presents topics for nursing professional development 

or improving patient outcomes, and the content is not 

related to a commercial interest entity. Introductions 

and welcomes by guests during orientation cannot be 

calculated into NCPD contact hours. Any educational 

activities that do not follow the ANCC/NMNA 

processes nor provide the key information required 

cannot be approved. What is important to note is 

that the quality of the activities and our approvals are 

grounded in applicants using and documenting these 

processes. The template forms are only the mechanism 

to validate that our processes have been used from the 

onset of planning. 

As stated by Graebe and Dickerson (2021), 

There has never been a more important time 

for evidence-based, quality nursing professional 

development that improves professional practice 

and patient outcomes. The focus of the American 

Nurses Credentialing Center’s Accreditation in 

NCPD criteria is on developing education to address 

identified gaps in knowledge, skill and/or practice, 

maintain content integrity, and analyzing measurable 

outcomes to demonstrate closure or narrowing of 

the gaps that created the need for the education. 

Accreditation in NCPD is not about nurses earning 

contact hours! The contact hour is the “currency” 

that is awarded when learners complete NCPD 

activities, but receiving the credit is of little value 

if it does not contribute the practice of the nurse, 

achievement of improvements in their work, and/or 

the outcomes that support the strategic initiatives 

of the organization. Accreditation in NCPD is about 

ensuring that the learning experiences of nurse 

learners is outcome driven. 

For information and links to participate contact: Camille@CamilleAdair.com 

Nursing Professional Development...continued on page 15


Are We There Yet? Coping During COVID 

Janet McMillan, DSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC 

Reprinted with permission from Mississippi RN 

September 2020 

COVID-19 is an emergency situation that is 

unprecedented in our country. While many people feel 

the effects of disasters such as 911, Hurricane Katrina, 

the California wildfires, earthquakes in the west, 

and other regional emergencies, this is the first time 

the entire country has been directly affected by any 

emergency situation at the same time. Fear and anxiety 

can be overwhelming and affect people in different 

ways. It can be stressful for both adults and children 

and it is particularly important that we understand 

that our reactions as healthcare providers to this 

event can affect everyone around us. The fear of the 

unknown is great. And there are a lot of unanswered 

questions during this unprecedented time; however, it 

is important for you to take care of your mental health 

during a disaster such as this pandemic. 

Everyone responds to stress in different ways. The 

most important underlying theme during an event 

such as this is to maintain as much a normal routine 

as possible. The purpose of this article is to provide 

information so that you will be able to identify ways to 

assist you and your family to maintain some degree of 

normalcy in your lives, and offer you resources to help 

continue to maintain a healthy lifestyle both physically 

and emotionally. First, let's identify some ways that this 

pandemic outbreak may have affected you and your 

families personally. 

During situations like these, high risk groups emerge. 

We understand that there are people who may be at 

risk physically from contracting the virus due to an 

already debilitated state of health. The psychological 

risk factor is also present in certain populations of 

people. That would include 

• older people and people with chronic diseases, 

• people who are helping with the response to 

COVID-19 such as health care providers or first 

responders, 

• people who have mental health conditions 

including problems with substance abuse, and 

• children and teens. 

Most of us either fall into one of these categories 

or have people we care about who fall into one of 

these categories. That's why it is important for us 

to recognize that we have to maintain some degree 

of normalcy in our lives to help reduce the long-term 

effects of a disaster such as this. 

We have been inundated with information about 

social distancing, sanitizing, maintaining good hygiene 

practices, and other infection control measures. 

Probably the most difficult aspect of these lifestyle 

changes involves social distancing. Humans are social 

beings and we must interact with other people in order 

to maintain our mental health. While a little isolation is 

sometimes a good thing, it looks like we're going to be 

maintaining some degree of social distancing for some 

time. Here are some strategies that we can employ 

during this time of social distancing that may assist 

us to maintain that need for social interaction while 

observing infection control practices: 

• Continue to interact via Telecommunication 

devices such as Skype, Zoom, FaceTime, and other 

electronic means of communication. 

• There is still the possibility of interacting face to 

face with other individuals by maintaining a safe 

distance of at least six feet between individuals. 

• Avoid physical contact such as handshakes, 

hugging, or touching. 

Remember that social distancing does not 

necessarily mean social isolation. There are still things 

that are acceptable to do during this challenging 

period: 

• Avoid situations where there are crowds of 

people. You can still interact with select people 

that you know do not have any symptoms. 

• Still maintain family relationships to the extent 

possible. 

• Most restaurants are still allowing carryout food 

items and some inside dining. This will allow 

you to get out into the public briefly while still 

maintaining social distancing. 

• Take a walk outside. It is important to be out in 

the sun to boost endorphins and promote mental 

well-being. 

• It is understandable that you will still have to go 

to the grocery store, pharmacy, or other places 

briefly. Try to cluster your activities to reduce the 

number of times you have to go out and make a 

list so you can reduce your time in these crowded 

locations. 

• If you have to go out, take your hand sanitizer, 

avoid shaking hands or touching other people. 

• It is still OK to have small gatherings of friends or 

family (less than 10 people) in order to maintain 

relationships with others who are experiencing 

the same things you are. 

As health care providers, it is important that we 

recognize symptoms of overwhelming stress and 

anxiety in people around us. This would be important 

to recognize in ourselves, family members, or others in 

the community that may need assistance. Some signs 

that stress is becoming too difficult to manage include: 

• changes in sleeping or eating habits 

• continued fear or worry about one's health or the 

health of loved ones to the point of rumination 

• a worsening of chronic health conditions already 

present 

• increased use of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs 

• an increase in compulsive behaviors 

• any change in mental status (which could indicate 

either a decline in mental health functioning or 

the presence of an illness in an elderly person— 

delirium) 

As we think about ways to manage stress and 

anxiety, it's important to remember to keep up with 

routines that were present before the pandemic. 

A chaotic home environment creates more stress. 

However, there are some strategies that you can 

implement to reduce stress and anxiety during this 

difficult time: 

• Adapt your exercise routine that can be continued 

in the home by performing exercises that can be 

done in a confined space such as stair stepping or 

walking in place. 

• Cluster your exercise routine into 15 to 20-minute 

sessions that can be spaced throughout the day 

to reduce boredom. 

• Maintain contact with a tight circle of friends or 

family that can check on each other to make sure 

everyone stays well. 

• Stay informed about the progress of the health 

situation from trusted and reliable sources such 

as the CDC. But don’t let these updates be your 

main source of “entertainment.” 

• Take this time to catch up on a good movie or 

read a good book whenever possible. 

• Adopt an attitude of “now I can focus on my 

home and family” rather than “I’m stuck here in 

this house with nothing to do.” 

• Eat healthy, well balanced meals, get plenty of 

sleep, and stay well hydrated. 

• Choose foods that have a long shelf life rather 

than lots of fresh fruits and vegetables because 

they spoil more easily and have to be replenished 

often. 

Remember that children and teens react to and 

model behaviors they see adults around them emulate. 

It's important to include children and teens in your 

routine so they will learn healthy ways to cope with 

stress. 

Children react to stress in different ways. According 

to the CDC, some signs that your child or teen may be 

stressed include: 

• Excessive crying or irritation in younger children 

• Returning to behaviors they have outgrown (for 

example, toileting accidents or bedwetting) 

• Excessive worry or sadness 

• Unhealthy eating or sleeping habits 

• Irritability and “acting out” behaviors in teens 

• Poor school performance or avoiding school 

• Difficulty with attention and concentration 

• Avoidance of activities they previously enjoyed 

• Unexplained headaches or body pain 

• Use of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs 

If you believe a child or teen may be stressed or 

overwhelmed by the pandemic, the CDC recommends 

ways to support them, including: 

• Taking the time to talk with your child or teen 

about the COVID-19 outbreak. Additionally, you 

should answer questions and share facts about 

COVID-19 in a way that your child or teen can 

understand. 

• Reassuring them that they are safe. Let them 

know it is alright if they feel upset. Share with 

them how you deal with your own stress so that 

they can learn how to cope from you. 

• Limit your family’s exposure to news coverage 

of the event, including social media. Children 

may misinterpret what they hear and can 

be frightened about something they do not 

understand. 

• Trying to keep up with regular routines. If schools 

are closed, create a schedule for learning activities 

and relaxing or fun activities. 

• Be a role model. How? According to the CDC, by 

taking breaks, getting plenty of sleep, exercising, 

and eating well. Remember to connect with 

friends and family members. 

As health care providers, we are on the front lines of 

this pandemic. As a result, we may be asked to support 

others during this traumatic period. We need to be 

aware of our own limitations and take measures to 

reduce the risk of secondary traumatic stress reactions. 

Some of the things that we can do to manage our own 

mental health in the workplace include: 

• Recognize the signs of physical and mental 

exhaustion and take a break whenever these 

begin to occur. 

• Limit working time to no more than 12 hours per 

day. Limit your days to no more than three per 

week if you're working 12 hour shifts. 

• Be sure to incorporate time with friends, family, 

exercising, and breaktime into the work week. 

• Ask for help if you're having trouble dealing 

with the psychological effects of the coronavirus 

outbreak. 

• Understand that it is OK to take a break when 

feeling stress and that it is not unusual to 

experience stress during difficult times such as 

these. 

For reliable information about the virus outbreak 

consult the Centers for Disease Control website at 

www.cdc.gov/covid19. 

Additional resources for individuals with mental 

health conditions or substance abuse problems can 

be found on the Substance Abuse and Mental Health 

Services Administration website at www.samhsa.gov/ 

disaster-preparedness. 

Additional resources for health care professionals to 

monitor for secondary traumatic stress reactions can 

be found on the CDC website at www.emergency.cdc. 

gov/coping/responders.ASP. 

For some tips on what to do with kids at home 

during the coronavirus break go to https://www.cpr. 

org/2020/03/17/what-to-do-with-kids-at-home-oncoronavirus-break-mental-health-for-parents-too/1


Self-Care: A Need Now More Than Ever 

Courtney Bennett, DNP, PMHNP-BC, FNP-BC 

Reprinted with permission 

Mississippi RN December 2020 

In attempts to meet the growing demands of 

COVID-19, registered nurses and advanced practice 

registered nurses have stepped up to lead and went 

beyond the call of duty to help combat the virus’s 

spread. From providing complex care to COVID-19 

patients, working long hours, extra shifts, weekends, 

and holidays to meet those demands. However, if 

asked the question, “When not working, what are 

some of your self-care activities?” most would probably 

have to take some time to think about the answer. 

With the COVID-19 challenges of increased workload, 

increased complexity of patient care, the need for 

greater nurse presence, and personal challenges of 

caring for your family, self-care has become more vital 

now than ever before. Although it is a simple notion, in 

theory, it is often overlooked. 

Self-care is any necessary activity one takes to be 

healthy mentally, emotionally, and physically. When we 

are healthy, we can operate at our best, in not only our 

professional lives by providing the best possible care 

to others, but also in our personal lives. Parker Palmer 

once said, “Self-care is never a selfish act-it is simply 

good stewardship of the only gift I have, the gift I was 

put on earth to offer others. Anytime we can listen to 

true self and give the care it requires, we do it not only 

for ourselves but for the many others whose lives we 

touch.” Although it is not easy to put ourselves first 

sometimes, especially when caring for our families and 

others, we must make an effort to do so. For not only 

does our health and well-being depend upon it, but 

also the patients we serve. When we put off our selfcare 

needs, it becomes problematic over time to care 

for others. 

Many may remember Dorothea Orem’s Self-Care 

Deficit Theory that teaches nurses’ actions should help 

patients assume responsibility for self-care deficits 

to maintain life, health, and well-being. As nurses, 

we must also apply that same principle to our lives. 

Nursing can be demanding and stressful in meeting the 

patients’ needs, problem solving, supporting patients 

and families, and building resilience. However, self-care 

is necessary to help cope with these inherited stressors 

of the job. As nurses and health care providers, we 

must engage in self-care activities to maintain our 

health and well-being. Nurses are historically trained to 

care for others, often at the expense of our physical, 

mental, and emotional well-being. However, neglecting 

your self-care can lead to distractions, impaired 

decision-making, stress, anxiety, fatigue, insomnia, 

anger, absenteeism, and even burn out. 

Self-care involves taking time out of your busy 

schedule to take care of yourself and engage in 

activities you enjoy that can help relieve stress and 

fatigue. Sometimes we need to stop and take a 

moment to remind ourselves we too are important. 

Self-care activities should be enjoyable, not forced, and 

something that helps recharge your physical, mental, 

and emotional battery. Below are some self-care tips: 

1. Get adequate sleep – at least 7-8 hours each 

night. 

2. Eat healthy foods. 

3. Exercise. Adopt an exercise routine that can be 

done at home or suitable to your schedule. 

4. Schedule yearly wellness exam for regular 

preventive care. 

5. Start small. Spend 10-30 minutes a day doing 

something you enjoy (e.g., listen to music, reading 

a book, artwork, adult coloring book, etc.). 

6. Remove the phrase “I’m too busy” from your 

dialogue-schedule time to go see a movie or 

spend time with friends. 

7. Engage in mindfulness exercises and meditation, 

which can help reduce stress, anxiety, depression, 

and increase self-awareness. 

8. Daily journaling. Journaling can help clarify 

thoughts and feelings and reduce stress. 

9. Connect with others. 

10. Treat yourself to a spa day. 

11. Pay attention to your body. When your body 

is telling you something may be wrong, seek 

medical attention. 

12. Write a list of things you are grateful for or 

daily positive affirmations that you can post 

somewhere you can see often. 

Located in Northeastern AZ 

As nurses, we must remember to be proactive in our 

self-care to remain healthy and able to care for others. 

Self-care is not a selfish act, and in doing so, we are 

subsequently more able to take care of others. Even if 

you take one small step, you will be more capable of 

implementing and identifying more self-care activities 

that work for you. 

We are seeking highly motivated nurses 

Exciting nursing opportunities and breathtaking allure of Navajoland await 

committed and highly motivated nurses. 

Come join us in Winslow! We are located just seven miles from the southern edge of the Navajo 

Nation, 45 minutes east of Flagstaff and a few hours north of Phoenix. You can go from Standing on 

the Corner of Winslow, Arizona to hiking scenic and majestic landscapes. 

• Clinical Nurse 

• PRN Registered Nurse 

• Clinical Care Coordinator 

• Public Health Nurse 

• RN Case Manager 

• Infusion Clinical Nurse 

Ganado, AZ 

Nursing Opportunities Available 

• Emergency Department RN 

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• Community Health/Diabetes Program RN Supervisor 

• Community Health/ Diabetes Program RN 

• Medical/Telemetry Unit RN 

• Case Manager RN • Employee Health RN 

Contact: Patricia Blosser, MSN, FNP-C, MBA, CNO at 

928-755-4559 or patricia.blosser@sagememorial.com 

Applications available at sagememorial.com/careers/ 

Send applications to Human Resources 

Fax#: 928-755-4659, hr@sagememorial.com 

The Navajo Health Foundation/Sage Memorial Hospital is a drug/alcohol free EOE/AA/Navajo Preference Employer


Three Risk Areas Nurses Face in the Time of COVID-19 

Georgia Reiner, MS/Senior Risk Specialist, 

Nurses Service Organization, Healthcare Division, Aon Affinity 

Reprinted from West Virginia Nurse October, November, December 2020 Issue 

The spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) reinforces the dedication and 

selflessness of nursing professionals. This is a scary and uncertain time for everyone, 

especially nurses on the frontlines working tirelessly to help curb the spread of the 

COVID-19 and balance an influx in patients. 

As nursing professionals tirelessly work to provide the best care possible to their 

patients during a difficult time, they need to know the steps to take to mitigate the 

risks that can impact their license, career, and reputation. 

Three risk areas nurses need to have on their radar include: 

1) Using Social Media Best Practices 

Nurses are held to a higher standard than others because of their role as 

caretakers and because they have intimate access to patients’ private information. 

Their social media presence should reflect this heightened responsibility, especially 

in this uncertain time. They must consider patients’ right to privacy and act 

professionally before posting. 

As the media and social media are consumed by COVID-19 news, nurses may 

want to join in and share their thoughts or may be tempted to air their grievances. 

Online comments or comments to members of the media by a nurse regarding 

employers or co-workers, even if posted from home during nonwork hours, may 

violate their employer’s social media or media relations policies. Violations of 

employer policies may lead to employment consequences for the nurse, including 

termination. Nurses may want to think twice before posting or otherwise giving the 

appearance they are speaking on behalf of their employer unless authorized to do 

so, and must follow all applicable employer policies. 

2) Preventing Medication Errors 

Nurses must continue to work to catch their own potential medication errors, 

as well as the errors of other healthcare providers in the medication administration 

chain. Research has found that the majority of medication errors result from human 

factors, including inadequate communication, biased reasoning, reduced memory, 

and insufficient training and inexperience (Benner et al., 2002; Brady et al., 2009; 

Choo et al., 2010; Saintsing et al., 2011; TJC, 2012). Nurses also identify distractions 

and fatigue as contributing to medication errors — which are factors that the 

COVID-19 crisis can exacerbate (Choo et al.). 

Since the beginning of April 2020, the Institute for Safe Medication Practices 

(ISMP) has received reports of COVID-19-related medication errors (ISMP, 2020). 

One error involved a redeployed OR nurse who administered the wrong type 

of inhaler after failing to engage unfamiliar barcode medication administration 

technology (ISMP). Other missed dose errors have been reported due to 

communication failures between nurses and respiratory therapists (ISMP). 

To prevent medication errors and other adverse outcomes, nurses pulled to 

an unfamiliar unit should be oriented to the patient population, technologies, 

processes, and medications typically used on the newly assigned unit (ISMP, 

2020). Nurses should also employ communication techniques such as a doublecheck/“check 

back” to verify they understand all verbal orders and instructions 

(AHRQ, 2020). 

3) Preparing to accept unfamiliar assignments 

Nurses are at the forefront of this public health crisis — treating, educating, and 

preventing the spread of COVID-19. As the pandemic continues to evolve, nurses 

may be given patient assignments outside of their accustomed practice areas and 

locations. No circumstances change nurses’ obligation to practice ethically, but 

nurses should be aware of their employers’ protocols for protecting nurses operating 

in extreme conditions and scarcities, and to ensure that the public receives the most 

adequate treatment and care possible in the situation. 

With so much still unknown about the coronavirus, it’s also important for nurses 

to be aware of the steps they can take if they do not feel equipped to handle an 

assignment. When the assignment is within a nurse’s scope of practice but not 

within their realm of experience or training, saying “no” could lead to dismissal. In 

these scenarios, nurses need to share their concerns with their supervisor. Nurses 

should describe the task or assignment they don’t feel equipped to handle, the 

reason for their feelings, and the training they would need to be more confident 

and better prepared. Speaking up can lead to positive outcomes for nurses and 

patients. 

These are trying times for health care workers. Being aware of potential risks 

helps nurses take steps to protect themselves as they care for others. 

References 

Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality [AHRQ]. (2020, January: last review). Pocket 

Guide: TeamSTEPPS®. Team strategies & tools to enhance performance and patient 

safety content. https://www.ahrq.gov/teamstepps/instructor/essentials/pocketguide. 

html#checkback 

Benner, P., Sheets, V., Uris, P., Malloch K., Schwed K., & Jamison, D. (2002). Individual, 

practice, and system causes of errors in nursing: A taxonomy. Journal of Nursing 

Administration, 32, 509-523. doi: 10.1097/00005110-200210000-00006 

Brady, A.-M., Malone, A.-M., & Fleming, S. (2009). A literature review of the individual 

and systems factors that contribute to medication errors in nursing practice. Journal 

of Nursing Management, 17, 679-697. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2834.2009.00995.x 

Choo, J., Hutchinson, A., & Bucknall, T. (2010). Nurses’ role in medication safety. Journal 

of Nursing Management, 18, 853-861. doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2834.2010.01164.x 

Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP). (2020, May 14). COVID-19-related 

medication errors. https://www.ismp.org/resources/covid-19-related-medicationerrors.


Saintsing, D., Gibson, L. M., & Pennington, A. W. (2011). 

The novice nurse and clinical decision-making: How to 

avoid errors. Journal of Nursing Management, 19, 354- 

359. doi.10.1111/j.1365-2834.2011.01248.x 

The Joint Commission [TJC]. (2013). Sentinel event data: 

Root causes by event type, 2004 – June 2013. https:// 

www.medleague.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/ 

Root_Causes_by_Event_Type_2004-2Q2013.pdf 

This risk management information was provided 

by Nurses Service Organization (NSO), the nation’s 

largest provider of nurses’ professional liability 

insurance coverage for over 550,000 nurses since 1976. 

Reproduction without permission of the publisher is 

prohibited. For questions, send an e-mail to service@ 

nso.com or call 1-800-247-1500. www.nso.com. The 

author may be reached at Georgia.Reiner@aon.com. 

ANA/New Mexico 

Membership Application 

For other information, please contact ANA's Membership Billing Department at (800) 923-7709 or email us at memberinfo@ana.org. 

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Professional Information: 

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Type of Work Setting: (e.g. hospital, clinic, school) 

Current Position Title: (e.g. staff nurse, manager, educator, APRN) 

Practice Area: (e.g. pediatrics, education, administration) RN License # State 

Nursing Professional Development...continued from page 11 

Ways to Pay: 

Membership Dues: 

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NMNA welcomes all applications. Our goal is the 

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Total Dues and Contributions..........................................$ 

References 

American Nurses Credentialing Center. (2015) 2015 

Primary Accreditation Approver Application Manual (1st 

ed.) Silver Spring, MD. 

Graebe, J. & Dickerson, P.S. (2021). It is not about the 

contact hours!. The Journal of Continuing Education in 

Nursing, 52, p.55. 

Harper, M.G, & Maloney, P. (2016). The Nursing 

Professional Development Scope & Standards of 

Practice (3rd ed). Chicago, IL: Association for Nursing 

Professional Development. 

Shinners, J. & Graebe, J. (2020). Continuing education as a 

core component of nursing professional development. 

The Journal of Continuing Education in Nursing, 51, 

p.6. 

New Mexico Nursing Education Consortium (NMNEC). 

NMNEC concepts. Retrieved February 11, 2021, from 

www.NMNEC.org 

Authorization Signatures: 

Monthly Electronic Deduction | Payment Authorization Signature* 

Automatic Annual Credit Card | Payment Authorization Signature* 

*By signing the Monthly Electronic Payment Deduction Authorization, or the Automatic Annual 

Credit Card Payment Authorization, you are authorizing ANA to change the amount by giving the 

above signed thirty (30) days advance written notice. Above signed may cancel this authorization 

upon receipt by ANA of written notification of termination twenty (20) days prior to deduction date 

designated above. Membership will continue unless this notification is received. ANA will charge a $5 

fee for any returned drafts. ANA & State and ANA-Only members must have been a member for six 

consecutive months or pay the full annual dues to be eligible for the ANCC certification discounts. 

Go to www.JoinANA.org to become 

a member and use the code: NMX14 

Web 

Join instantly online 

Visit us at www.JoinANA.org 

Mail 

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*Nurses must already hold an RN license before becoming members of ANA 

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Please Note — American Nurses Association (ANA) member ship dues are not deductible as charitable 

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Please check with ANA for the correct amount. 

Fax 

Completed application with credit card 

payment to (301) 628-5355 

Searching for dynamic professional people 

to join our healthcare team. 

Registered Nurse (Nights), Full Time | Registered Nurse (Days), Full Time 

Registered Nurse (Surgery), Full Time | Clinic Manager, Full Time 

Certified Scrub Technician, Full Time | Radiology Technologist, Full Time 

YCH provides excellent benefits such as employer paid Health, Cancer, and 

Life Insurance, $200 dependent coverage for Health Insurance; employer 

matched 1.5 ratio on retirement with TCDRS, and competitive salaries. 

Optional Dental, Vision, Flex Plan and ICU coverage also available. 

Email or Fax resume to: 

Heather Milton, 

Human Resource Director 

Email: hmilton@ych.us 

Fax: (806) 592-4440

New Mexico Nurse - April 2021

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