Idaho - May 2022

IDAHO
May, June, July 2022
Volume 45, • No. 1
Official peer reviewed publication of Idaho Alliance of Leaders in Nursing & Idaho Center for Nursing
Quarterly publication distributed to approximately 34,000 RNs and LPNs in Idaho.
These organizations are members of the Idaho Center for Nursing.
Nurses at the Legislature
INSIDE
THIS ISSUE
NLI PRESIDENTIAL REPORT
A Sacred Calling
Carolyn Hansen MSN, APRN-CNP PAGE 2
FEATURE
Hepatitis C Knowledge and Risk Reduction Strategies in the
Recently Paroled and Transitional Housing Population
Tamara McDonald, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC PAGES 3-4
IDAHO CENTER FOR NURSING PARTICIPATING
ORGANIZATION UPDATES
Board of Nursing Report PAGE 7
Executive Director Report
Randall Hudspeth PhD, MBA,
MS, APRN-CNP, FAANP PAGE 8
ANA-Idaho Presidential Report
Dori Healey MSN, MBA, RN PAGE 9
February 17 had 103 nurses registered to attend the
morning at the Idaho Capitol and the afternoon legislative
session at the Grove Hotel. Nurses and students had the
opportunity to speak with Idaho legislators about their
concerns and nursing issues. Governor Little came to the
capitol rotunda and met with the nurses.
The day had two major focus areas: (1) to increase
awareness by legislators about nursing issues concerning
the number of nurses licensed in Idaho not being sufficient
to meet healthcare needs, the shortage of nurses in all
areas of the state and (2) to discuss strategies to impact
the nursing shortage and improve access to healthcare for
Idahoans, especially in rural areas.
Eight areas are addressed for the 2022 ANAI and
NLI legislative platforms.
1. Addressing the Nursing Shortage
a. Rural Nurse Loan Repayment Program – S 1287
b. Retaining nursing faculty and improving nursing
faculty salaries
c. Funding for Nursing Programs so that student
enrollment can be expanded
2. Increase Awareness of the Role of Nursing –
Broad Areas of Practice
a. Legislative day at the Capitol with supportive
information about Idaho nursing
b. Nursing workforce report that is published
every other year
c. Board of Nursing role in supporting nursing
practice
Nurses at the Legislature continued on page 5
NPI Report
Colleen M. Shackelford, DNP, APRN, NP-C PAGE 10
Idaho Nursing Education Fund Report PAGE 13
IDAHO NURSING AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS
Daisy Awards PAGES 12-13
Leadership and Service Recognitions PAGE 13
PRACTICE MATTERS
From the Ground Up – Clinical Ladder Development
Misty Gordon, MSN, RN PAGE 15
Developing a Written Strategy for
Leadership Survival and Well-Being
Michelle R. Troseth, MSN, RN, FNAP, FAAN PAGE 15
CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF NURSE
PRACTITIONER PRACTICE IN IDAHO
Responding to Needs of Rural Communities
Sparked A New Healthcare Profession
Marie Osborn APRN-NP PAGES 16-17
current resident or
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage Paid
Princeton, MN
Permit No. 14
LIKE US ON FACEBOOK
FEATURE
Idaho’s Mandatory Reporting Laws
for Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation
Michelle Anderson, DNP, APRN-FNP, FAANP PAGES 18-19
FEATURE
Spirit. Mind. Body. Faith Community
Nurses Tenderly Care for Them All
Emily Woodham PAGES 20-21
www.facebook.com/IdahoNursesAssociation/
In Memoriam PAGE 22-23
Notes and News PAGE 23

Page 2 • RN Idaho May, June, July 2022
NLI AND IALN PRESIDENTIAL REPORT
Carolyn Hansen MSN, APRN-CNP
President, NLI
A Sacred Calling
“Run!” “Bang, bang.” “Boom,
whoosh.” “Incoming.” “You got
me.”
It is a summer day. The
grass is green, a light breeze
rustles the leaves on the maple
and elm trees that are everpresent
in every suburban
front yard up and down the
block. An occasional mosquito
buzzes by, but activity is too
high to be able to find a place Carolyn Hansen
to light. Children are running
and dodging make-believe projectiles through the
neighborhood. Excited children’s voices are heard from
the side yard of the Smith’s midcentury modern home.
As a child, we would play “Army” in the
neighborhood. Strategies were used to take over
important enemy territory as soldiers would hide
behind trees and cars and “shoot” the enemy as they
tried to take over valuable territory. Of course, the guns
were sticks, grenades were dirt clods, the soldiers
were eight-year-old boys, and girls weren’t allowed to
be soldiers. Girls could, however, be nurses.
Nursing during time of neighborhood Army
maneuvers did not prepare me for actual nursing
practice. Play nursing consisted of bandaging makebelieve
wounds with leaves, having your patient lay still
until you counted to 50 (they had to get back to the
war), and giving them a kiss on the forehead before
they returned to the battle. I must admit that this
probably was the real reason I wanted to be a nurse
when I was eight!
As we celebrate Nurse’s Week, it’s important to
remember, or I encourage you to remember your
nursing journey. Why did you want to be a nurse and
why do you continue to nurse?
My nursing “why” has changed since I was eight.
I no longer see the profession through those child’s
eyes. I know that nursing is more than bandaging
and forehead kissing. Nursing is making a difference
in the lives of everyone we encounter, in numerous
situations, in numerous neighborhoods, in every stage
of the human condition, in life and in death.
Nursing is the most respected profession and has
been for the past twenty years. Our honesty and
ethics are fundamental to patient care—our patients
know this, and they expect this. And we deliver.
Nursing isn’t a job or opportunity. Nursing is a
calling. It is that strong inner impulse to devote one’s
life to a greater good. To serve our fellow man with
compassion and empathy in situations and times
when others would turn away.
During this special week devoted to our profession,
take a moment to reflect on your “why.” Reflect on the
journey that has brought you to this moment in your
nursing career. Celebrate your sacred calling.
ANA Idaho Welcomes New & Returning Members
Blackfoot
Spring Neihart
Boise
Lisa Barnes
Christina Barron
Brian Bryant
Sandra Casey
Darlene Cooper
Stephan France
Karla Gearheard
Alyson Gunner
Emily Herauf
Falecia Hilliard
Naomi Larsen
Cherie McLennand
Kristine Theis
Shirley Van Zandt
Buhl
Tyler Saari
Caldwell
Ty Lariviere
Coeur D’Alene
Francis Detar
Shelton Jenkins
Rebecca Knight
Lori Moss
Dover
Donny McClure
Filer
Mackenzie Gustafson
Fruitland
Annie Reeve
Melanie Thomas
Grace
Lindsay Smith
Idaho Falls
Katherine Anderson
Ketchum
Angela Brady
Jan – Mar, 2022
Kuna
Jennifer Proctor
Lewisville
Amy Thornley
McCall
Amber Green
Meridian
Samantha Birk
Kacey Raynes
Middleton
Marylynn Hippe
Mountain Home
Ian Wilstead
Nampa
Terra Bonnell
Rebecca Davis
Rathdrum
Theresa Ewing
Sandpoint
Celesta St. John
Spirit Lake
Wendy Zimmerman
=
IDAHO
RN Idaho is published by
Idaho Center for Nursing
6126 West State St., Suite 406
Boise, ID 83703
Direct Dial: 208-367-1171
Email: rnidaho@idahonurses.org
Website: www.idahonurses.nursingnetwork.com
RN Idaho is peer reviewed and published by the
Idaho Center for Nursing. RN Idaho is distributed
to every Registered Nurse and Licensed Practical
Nurse licensed in Idaho, state legislators, employer
executives, and Idaho schools of nursing. The total
quarterly circulation is over 34,000. RN Idaho is
published quarterly every February, May, August,
and November.
Editor:
Sara F. Hawkins, PhD, RN, CPPS
Editor Emerita:
Barbara McNeil, PhD, RN-BC
Executive Director:
Randall Hudspeth, PhD, MBA, MS, APRN-CNP,
FAANP
Editorial Board:
Michelle Anderson, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, FAANP
Sandra Evans, MAEd, RN
Pamela Gehrke, EdD, RN
Beverly Kloepfer, MSN, RN, NP-C
Karen Neill, PhD, RN, SANE-A, PF-IAFN
Gus Powell, MSN, CRNA
Katie Roberts, MSN, RN
Laura J. Tivis, PhD, CCRP
RN Idaho welcomes comments, suggestions,
and contributions. Articles, editorials and other
submissions may be sent directly to the Idaho
Center for Nursing office via mail or e-mail. Visit our
website for information on submission guidelines.
For advertising rates and information, please contact
Arthur L. Davis Publishing Agency, Inc., PO Box
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sales@aldpub.com. ICN 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 Idaho Center for Nursing or by any
professional nursing organization that is affiliated with
the Idaho Center for Nursing, 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 these associations disapproved
of the product or its use. The affiliated nursing
organizations 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 affiliated nursing organizations,
or those of the national or local
associations.
JOIN ANA IDAHO TODAY
WE NEED YOU!
Membership application
http://nursingworld.org/joinana.aspx

May, June, July 2022 RN Idaho • Page 3
FEATURE
Hepatitis C Knowledge and
Risk Reduction Strategies in the
Recently Paroled and Transitional
Housing Population
Tamara McDonald, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC
tamaramcdonald@isu.edu
Karen Neill, PhD, RN, MS, DF-IAFN
DNP Project Advisor | karenneill@isu.edu
This project was conducted in partial fulfillment of
the Doctor of Nursing Practice degree at
Idaho State University
Background
This project was designed to assess knowledge
gaps, attitudes, and beliefs about the hepatitis C
virus (HCV) in the recently paroled population who
were living in transitional housing. During 2018, an
estimated 50,300 new cases of acute HCV occurred in
the United States, with less than 1% of cases reported
(CDC, 2020). Symptoms of acute HCV infections,
if present, are mild and non-specific. Chronic HVC
occurs when the immune system fails to clear the
virus leading to insidious liver damage, multi-organ
impairment, and eventually death (CDC, 2020).
Chronic HCV infections account for 70% - 85% of total
cases and treatment now exists which can be curative
(CDC, 2020).
The 2020 U.S. Preventive Services Task Force
(USPSTF) guidelines recommend HCV screening
in all adults ages 18 to 79, with annual rescreening
in individuals with continued high-risk behaviors or
exposures. High-risk behaviors include a history of
intravenous drug (IVD) use and high-risk exposures
include a history of incarceration (USPSTF, 2020). The
prevalence of HCV in individuals with a history of IVD
use is approximately 55 percent and approximately 72
percent in those previously incarcerated (Degenhardt
et al., 2017). When compared to the general
population, incarcerated adults ages 18 to 65 were 4.2
times more likely to have been exposed to hepatitis
(Albertson, Scannell, Ashtari, & Barnert, 2020).
Literature Review
Chronic Illness in Inmates
Community access to substance abuse and mental
health treatment have been a primary focus for offenders
as they reenter society because these problems can
contribute to criminal behavior if left untreated (Matz,
2018). However, the health care needs of this population
extend beyond substance and mental health services.
Treating both mental and physical health care needs can
support successful transition into the community and
enhance lifelong wellness (Matz, 2018).
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Opt-Out Screening
Correctional facilities often use a type of program called
opt-out, or universal, screening to test all persons upon
entry into prison, giving individuals the right to decline
screening if desired (Morris, Brown, & Allen, 2017). Amongst
individuals who are incarcerated opt-out screening has
been shown to increase opportunities for targeted HCVrelated
education, earlier disease detection, and improved
access to care (Morris, Brown, & Allen, 2017). Idaho
Department of Corrections utilizes opt-out screening,
provides targeted HVC education, and facilitates access to
care while individuals are incarcerated (IDOC, 2013).
Upon release, previously incarcerated individuals have
an ongoing need for risk factors assessment as well
as access to testing and treatment in the community
to improve population health (Stein & Nyamathi, 2010).
Education and screening are important considering
an estimated 90 percent of inmates return to the same
community from which they were arrested (Harzke &
Pruitt, 2018; Morris et al., 2017).
Role of the Community Provider
Community healthcare providers play an important
role in improving continuity of care as offenders transition
back into community life (Binswanger et al., 2009;
Gough et al., 2010). Educating and connecting parolees
to community resources is critical in preventing chronic
illness and promoting a healthy lifestyle after release. It
has been shown that high-risk behaviors can be reduced
by improving knowledge of transmissible diseases and
local resources thus reducing recidivism and improving
the health of the community (Shepherd et al., 2012, Stein
& Nyamathi, 2010).
Re-Entry of Offenders
Re-Entry is often a stressful transition and can lead
to criminal behavior, relapse, overdose, psychiatric
symptoms, chronic illness exacerbation, or suicide
(Harzke & Pruitt, 2018; Morris et al., 2017; Roberts,
Kennedy, & Hammett, 2004). Complex needs, like
obtaining health care insurance and health care services,
are often secondary concerns. Improving health care
access helps ease the re-entry process for offenders and
has been shown to reduce criminal behavior and facilitate
community reintegration (Marlow et al., 2010).
Transitional Housing
Transitional houses, also called halfway houses,
are temporary housing environments that provide a
strict and structured environment (Matz, 2018). The
Hepatitis C Knowledge continued on page 4
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SAVE
THE DATES
American Nurses Association Idaho &
Nurse Leaders of Idaho
ANA Delegate Assembly
June 8-9, 2022 | Washington D.C.
Idaho Association of Nurse Anesthetists
AANA Annual Congress
August 12-16 | Chicago, IL
IDANA Fall Conference
September 9-11 | The Grove Hotel - Boise
Nurse Practitioners of Idaho
AANP National Conference Sessions,
June 21-26 | Orlando, FL Register at:
2022 AANP National Conference — In Person
Annual Fall Conference—October 6-7,
Boise Center on Grove
School Nurse Association of Idaho
National Association of School Nurses
In-person – June 28-30 | Atlanta, GA
Virtual- July 11-13
Register at: WELCOME - NASN2022
Idaho SNOI Conference
June 14-15 | Caldwell
St. Luke’s Spirit of Nursing Conference
May 6, 2022 | Anderson Center Boise
Register at: Summary - 2022 Spirit of Nursing
Conference (cvent.com)
Idaho Board of Nursing
2022 Meeting Dates | Boise
- May 24, 2022
- August 11, 2022
- November 3, 2022
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Page 4 • RN Idaho May, June, July 2022
FEATURE
Hepatitis C Knowledge continued from page 3
residents of transitional housing, ranges from individuals
who require sober living to offenders returning to the
community who may or may not be on parole (Matz,
2018). These environments help offenders gain access
to community services (Matz, 2018). The paroled
population is at an increased risk of health disparities
and require ongoing prevention, education, counseling,
testing, risk reduction, and disease management after
release (Shepherd et al., 2012).
Transitional housing provides daily structure and
allows offenders to work toward becoming autonomous
while establishing routines. In addition to food and
housing, some transitional houses may offer supportservices
like counseling, employment searching, and
community support services. Transitional houses also
maintain strict drug-free environments. Safe and stable
housing helps facilitate an ideal place for targeted
disease education, screening, and prevention measures
(Kittikraisak et al., 2006).
Methods and Results
This project was completed in an urban area of Idaho
to assess specific knowledge of individuals released
into the community and on parole and residing in
transitional housing. The project involved assessing the
population’s knowledge and attitude pertaining to HCV,
risks of transmission, and local resources available in the
community in order to reduce disease transmission and
increase access to care with transition back into the local
community.
A total of twenty (N = 20) recently paroled individuals
residing in transitional housing completed the survey,
which was voluntary, and provided through the manager
of multiple transitional housing units in the selected area
of interest. The survey was adapted from the National
Minority AIDS Initiative Substance Abuse/HIV Prevention
Initiative (n.d.). There were more male participants (65%,
n = 13,) than female (35%, n = 7), and participants were
primarily White (65%, n = 13). All participants had been
paroled within the last six years (100%, n = 20). Most
participants were informed of their individual HCV status
(70%, n = 14). Regarding HCV-status and knowledge of
local resources, most participants displayed knowledge
of local resources for HCV testing (90%, n = 18) and
treatment (100%, n = 20). Most participants identified
needle sharing and injecting drugs as a high-risk behavior
(85%, n = 15). Less than half of participants identified
unprotected anal sex as a high-risk behavior (45%, n = 9).
Most participants demonstrated knowledge of
HCV, disease transmission, and high-risk behaviors.
Transmission through IVD use was more readily identified
as a high-risk behavior compared to unprotected anal
sex. Idaho, as a state, does provide opt-out testing in
correctional facilities which could account for the high
percentage of participants knowing their individual HCV
status. Almost all of participants knew where to go for local
HCV testing and all participants knew of local health care
and HVC treatment sites.
Discussion
This project provided valuable insight and showed
community health care providers can improve
community health by extending access to screening
services, disease prevention, and treatment of chronic
disease in vulnerable populations. Individuals in this
project demonstrated knowledge of HCV; follow-up
will support continued prevention and intervention
efforts to address chronic illness. Providers in
the community are a vital source of support and
imperative to facilitating health care by applying
unique knowledge of community resources. The
health of a community depends on the ability of
health care providers to connect with parolees and
other vulnerable populations to continue education,
screening, and treatment for HCV. Doing these things
can help reduce recidivism and ease community
reintegration among the paroled population.
Conflicts of interest: None
Commercial affiliations: None
Acknowledgements: Susan Tavernier, PhD, CNS,
RN, AOCN(R), Bree Derrick, Deputy Director at Idaho
Department of Corrections, Dr. Rebecca Kent, DNP, FNP-C
References
Albertson, E. M., Scannell, C., Ashtari, N., & Barnert, E.
(2020). Eliminating Gaps in Medicaid Coverage During
Reentry After Incarceration. American Journal of
Public Health, 110(3), 317–321. https://doi.org/10.2105/
AJPH.2019.305400
Binswanger, I. A., Krueger, P. M., & Steiner, J. F. (2009).
Prevalence of chronic medical conditions among jail and
prison inmates in the USA compared with the general
population. Journal of Epidemiology and Community
Health (1979-), 63(11), 912–919. Retrieved from http://
www.jstor.org/stable/20721088
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Hepatitis
C questions and answers for health professionals.
Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hcv/
hcvfaq.htm#section1
Degenhardt, L., Peacock, A., Colledge, S., Leung, J.,
Grebely, J., Vickerman, P., … Larney, S. (2017). Global
prevalence of injecting drug use and sociodemographic
characteristics and prevalence of HIV, HBV, and HCV in
people who inject drugs: a multistage systematic review.
The Lancet Global Health, 5(12), e1192–e1207. Retrieved
from http://10.0.3.248/S2214-109X(17)30375-3
Gough, E., Kempf, M. C., Graham, L., Manzanero, M., Hook,
E. W., Bartolucci, A., & Chamot, E. (2010). HIV and
Hepatitis B and C incidence rates in US correctional
populations and high risk groups: a systematic review
and meta-analysis. BMC Public Health, 10(1), 777.
https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2458-10-777
Harzke, A. M. Y. J., & Pruitt, S. L. (2018). Chronic
medical conditions in criminal justice involved
populations. Journal of Health & Human Services
Administration, 41(3), 306–347. Retrieved from
http://libpublic3.library.isu.edu/login?url=http://
search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=t
rue&db=ccm&AN=132687233&site=ehostlive&scope=site
Hofmeister, M. G., Rosenthal, E. M., Barker, L. K.,
Rosenberg, E. S., Barranco, M. A., Hall, E. W., …
Ryerson, A. B. (2019). Estimating Prevalence of
Hepatitis C Virus Infection in the United States, 2013-
2016. Hepatology, 69(3), 1020–1031. https://doi.
org/10.1002/hep.30297
Idaho Department of Corrections. (n.d.). Prisons. Retrieved
from https://www.idoc.idaho.gov/content/prisons
Kittikraisak W, Davidson PJ, Hahn JA, Lum PJ, Evans JL,
Moss AR, & Page-Shafer K. (2006). Incarceration
among young injectors in San Francisco: associations
with risk for hepatitis C virus infection. Journal of
Substance Use, 11(4), 271–281.
Marlow, E., White, M. C., & Chesla, C. A. (2010). Barriers
and Facilitators: Parolees’ Perceptions of Community
Health Care. Journal of Correctional Health Care, 16(1),
17–26. https://doi.org/10.1177/1078345809348201
Matz, A. K. (2018). Community corrections and the health
of criminal justice populations. Journal of Health and
Human Services Administration, 41(3), 348–383.
Morris, M. D., Brown, B., & Allen, S. A. (2017). Universal
opt-out screening for hepatitis C virus (HCV) within
correctional facilities is an effective intervention to
improve public health. International Journal of Prisoner
Health, 13(3/4), 192–199. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJPH-
07-2016-0028
National Minority AIDS Initiative (MAI) Substance Abuse/
HIV Prevention Initiative. (n.d.). Adult Questionnaire.
Retrieved from https://www.samhsa.gov/sites/default/
files/maimrt-new-adult-questionnaire.pdf
Shepherd, J., Fandel, J., Esposito, R., Pace, E., Banks, M.,
& Denious, J. (2012). Multidimensionality Matters:
An Effective HIV, Hepatitis C, and Substance-Use
Prevention Program for Minority Parolees. Journal of
Offender Rehabilitation, 51(4), 199–221. Retrieved from
http://10.0.4.56/10509674.2012.664252
Stein, J. A., & Nyamathi, A. M. (2010). Completion and
subject loss within an intensive hepatitis vaccination
intervention among homeless adults: The role of risk
factors, demographics, and psychosocial variables.
Health Psychology, 29(3), 317–323. https://doi.
org/10.1037/a0019283
Roberts, C., Kennedy, S., & Hammett, T. M. (2004).
Linkages Between In-Prison and Community-
Based Health Services. Journal of Correctional
Health Care, 10(3), 333–368. https://doi.
org/10.1177/107834580301000306
USPSTF. (2020). Final Recommendation Statement:
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Adults: Screening. Retrieved from https://www.
uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/Page/Document/
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May, June, July 2022 RN Idaho • Page 5
Nurses at the Legislature continued from page 1 District Senator YES NO
3. Promoting behavioral and mental health care
legislation
a. Suicide prevention program support
b. Children’s mental health funding and access
4. Promoting legislation that ensures all children
have access to treatment despite faith-based
restrictions
5. Addressing the opioid epidemic
6. Nursing advocacy for patient safety
7. Addressing workplace violence and protecting
nurses
8. Support APRN’s practicing to their full scope –
S 1244
Two pieces of legislation were closely monitored by
nurses and both bills had continual engagement by
the nursing association lobbyists. They were Senate
Bills 1287 and 1244.
The Rural Nurse Loan Repayment Program
(RNLR), S1287, offered an opportunity for nursing
education debt repayment for Registered Nurses (RN)
and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) who commit to
practice in an Idaho rural primary care Health Professional
Shortage Area (HPSA) or Idaho Critical Access Hospital.
Awards were to be limited to qualified education
debt up to $25,000/year for up to three years
($75,000) maximum. Only verified debt loan
statements would qualify toward awards. Nurses had
to commit to being a nurse in an eligible site. Awards
were to be distributed at the end of each year following
the term of service and nurses who were entitled to
receive education loan repayment from other state
or federal programs would not qualify. Eligible RNs
and LPNs had to hold an unrestricted Idaho nursing
license. Nurses who are Idaho residents and that
graduated from an accredited Idaho nursing program
were given preference over other applicants.
Eligible employers included Critical Access
Hospitals (CAH), Federally Qualified Health Centers
(FQHC), Rural Health Clinics (RHC), Long Term Care
Facilities (LTCF), Public Health Districts (PHD), state
hospitals, licensed home health agencies, licensed
hospice agencies tribal clinics, and Indian Health
Service Clinics (IHS). Nurses could be concurrently
employed in more than one area.
This bill, S-1287, was presented at the Senate Health
& Welfare Committee. Randy Hudspeth, ICN Executive
Director, provided the testimony. The bill passed out of
committee and was sent to the Senate floor for a vote
with a “do-pass” recommendation and all committee
members except Senator Zito, who represents a rural
area with a critical access hospital that has difficulty
recruiting nurses, supported it. We were confident
that the bill had a good chance to pass because it
1 Woodward X
2 Vick X
3 Riggs X
4 Souza X
5 Nelson X
6 Blair X
7 Crabtree X
8 Thayn X
9 Lee ABSENT
10 Rice X
11 Lodge X
12 Lakey X
13 Agenbroad ABSENT
14 Grow X
15 Martin ABSENT
16 Burgoyne X
17 Semmelroth X
18 Ward-Engelking X
19 Winthrow X
20 Winder X
21 Bayer X
22 Hartog X
23 Zito X
24 Heider X
25 Patrick X
26 Stennett X
27 Anthon X
28 Guthrie X
29 Nye X
30 Cook X
31 VanOrden X
32 Harris ABSENT
33 Lent X
34 Ricks X
35 Burtenshaw X
was supported by the Idaho Hospital Association, the
Idaho Healthcare Association, Rural Health Association,
all of the nursing associations and the Healthcare
Transformation Council of Idaho. By the time it was
up for a vote, the Idaho Freedom Foundation had
determined that they would not support the bill and
they gave it a -3 score, which is the lowest, because it
involved spending public money. Because the Freedom
Foundation scores intimidate legislators, the vote failed
in the Senate 17 to 14. Even Senators who told us they
were supportive either were absent for the vote or they
voted no. It is important for nurses to know how their
elected representatives voted.
What is amazing is that the majority of rural hospitals
and other healthcare providers have all expressed
concerns that they cannot entice nurses to come live
and work in their rural communities. Loan forgiveness
is a proven recruitment tool and has worked to recruit
physicians, NPs, PAs and dentists for the past 20 years.
Today a nurse is just as hard to hire as a professional
from these groups. Remember, when it comes time
to speak with candidates a good question to ask is
“how supportive are you of the healthcare needs of the
community in terms of nursing care issues? Or “how do
you propose to resolve the nursing shortage area in our
community without state funded programs?”
Nurses did support Senate Bill 1244, that was
sponsored by the BON and eliminated the APRN
Committee, and it did pass. This was actually a cost
saving bill that changed the way advisory committees to
regulatory boards would be called and utilized.
We must thank our advocacy team for the diligent
work they perform daily and for the weekly legislative
updates that are published weekly on both the ANAI
and NLI websites.
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May, June, July 2022 RN Idaho • Page 7
BOARD OF NURSING REPORT
Employers Must Report Termination if Due to
Certain Drugs.
Did you know as an employer of a healthcare provider,
you are required by law to report any termination due to
controlled substance issues? According to Idaho Statute
chapter 1, title 37, section 37-117A:
REPORTING AND DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENTS
FOR EMPLOYMENT RELATED ADULTERATION
OR MISAPPROPRIATION OF CERTAIN DRUGS.
When the employment of a health care provider has
been terminated, either voluntarily or involuntarily,
for adulteration or misappropriation of controlled
substances, as defined in chapter 27, title 37, Idaho
Code, the employer shall, within thirty (30) days of the
termination, furnish written notice of the termination,
described herein as “notice of termination,” to the health
care provider’s professional licensing board of the
state of Idaho, which shall include a description of the
controlled substance adulteration or misappropriation
involved in the termination.
LEARNING ACTIVITIES
Practice:
• Current nursing specialty certification; or
• One hundred hours of practice or
simulation practice, paid or unpaid, in
which the nurse applies knowledge or
clinical judgment in a way that influences
patients, families, nurses, or organizations.
Education, Continuing Education,
E-learning, and In-service:
Fifteen contact hours of continuing
education, e-learning, academic courses,
nursing-related in-service offered by an
accredited educational institution, healthcare
institution, or organization (a contact hour equals
not less than fifty minutes); or
• Completion of a minimum of one semester
credit hour of post-licensure academic
education relevant to nursing, offered
by a college or university accredited by
an organization recognized by the U.S.
Department of Education; or
• Completion of a Board-recognized nurse
refresher course or nurse residency
program; or
• Participation in or presentation of a
workshop, seminar, conference, or course
relevant to the practice of nursing and
approved by an organization recognized by
the Board to include, but not limited to: a
nationally recognized nursing organization;
an accredited academic institution; a
provider of continuing education recognized
by another board of nursing; a provider
of continuing education recognized by a
regulatory board of another discipline; or
• A program that meets criteria established
by the Board
Professional Engagement:
• Acknowledged contributor to a published
nursing-related article or manuscript; or
• Teaching or developing a nursing-related
course of instruction; or
• Participation in related professional
activities including, but not limited to,
research, published professional materials,
nursing-related volunteer work, teaching
(if not licensee’s primary employment),
peer reviewing, precepting, professional
auditing, and service on nursing or
healthcare related boards, organizations,
associations or committees
Notes from the Board
Mandated reporting of termination is for the protection
safety of the public. It is the employers’ legal and ethical
responsibility to protect society from Idaho licensees who
misuse or divert controlled substances. The reporting of
such terminations should be with good faith and without
actual malice. This can help protect you, as the person
or entity licensed in Idaho, who employs healthcare
providers, from a possible negative legal proceeding.
The notice of termination will be kept for 15 years by
the professional licensing board. An employer may make
a written request from the licensing board to provide
a copy of any notice of termination for a prospective
licensed healthcare provider. For specifics on the law
and submitting requests, please refer to Section 37-
117A(3) -I daho State Legislature or contact the Division of
Occupational and Professional Licenses.
LPN License Renewal Period Is About to Begin.
The LPN license renewal period is June 1st through
August 31, 2022. The renewal application is available in the
Nurse Portal on June 1st. If your Idaho LPN license is not
renewed by August 31, 2022, it will automatically become
inactive and a reinstatement application including a
fingerprint-based background check will be required if you
wish to have an active license. If you continue to practice
nursing in Idaho with an expired license, an administrative
fine may be assessed.
Each LPN renewal applicant will be required to attest to
the completion of Continued Competence Requirements
and may be audited for compliance with these
requirements. A licensee must accomplish at least two of
any of the learning activities (in the Practice, Education, or
Professional engagement sections) within the two 2-year
renewal period, June 1, 2020 to August 31, 2022.
Documentation of Compliance Requirements
Each applicant must maintain documentation of
meeting this requirement for the duration of the current
2-year renewal period. If you are selected for an audit,
you will be contacted to submit your documentation
to the Idaho Board of Nursing and must provide such
documentation within 30 days of the request.
Documentation of Compliance Examples
• National certification – e.g. copy of current certificate
• Post-licensure academic education – e.g.
academic transcript, grade report
• Completion of a Board-recognized refresher
course – e.g. certificate, provider verification of
successful completion of course
• Completion of research or a nursing project –
e.g. abstract, research summary, role of licensee
in research plan, date of project
• Contributing to a published nursing-related
article, manuscript, paper, book, or book chapter
– e.g. citation of publication, copy of publication
with name of licensee and publication date
• Teaching a course for college credit – e.g. date
of course, written attestation of program director,
credits and dates of course, college catalog
• Teaching a course for continuing education
credit e.g. name of licensee, title of presentation,
agenda, brochure or flyer advertising course,
date, name of CE provider with number of CEU
hours provided
• Hours of continuing learning activities or courses
– e.g. name of licensee, title of activity, roster/
proof of attendance, date, hours, and name of
provider
• One hundred hours of practice in nursing – e.g.
name of licensee, documentation of work or
volunteer hours, dates validated by employer/
recipient agency, tax or employment records
For questions or concerns regarding your renewal,
please do not hesitate to reach out to the Board of Nursing
via email at IBN@dopl.idaho.gov or call Monday-Friday
8am-5pm at (208) 577-2476.
CURRENT IDAHO STATE BOARD
OF NURSING MEMBERS
Name Expiration Original Appointment
Deena R. Rauch, DNP, RN (Chair) April 1, 2025 October 6, 2021
Kara Mahannah, LPN, RMA April 1, 2024 May 28, 2020
Kristi Batchelor, LPN April 1, 2023 March 3, 2020
Clayton B. Sanders, APRN April 1, 2023 May 24, 2011
Cindy Hone, Public Member April 1, 2025 January 11, 2021
Kristi L. Permann, RN April 1, 2025 November 1, 2021
Laura Stott, RN April 1, 2023 September 23, 2019
Jennifer Marie Hines-Josephson April 1, 2024 April 15, 2016
L. Renee Watson, RN April 1, 2024 April 15, 2016
To access electronic copies
of RN Idaho, please visit
http://www.NursingALD.com/
publications

Page 8 • RN Idaho May, June, July 2022
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR REPORT
It is Not Easy, but Life Happens and it Impacts Nurses
Randall Hudspeth PhD, MBA, MS, APRN-CNP, FAANP
Executive Director, Idaho Center for Nursing
randhuds@msn.com
I have long felt that history is a great teacher for us all.
It can inform us so that we are not totally surprised when
things happen, and their results are what we have seen
before. I am writing this in mid-March when our focus is on
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, there is an expected shortage
of water in Idaho this summer as the drought continues,
we are concerned about the impact that inflation will have
on our daily lives, and we are all sick and tired of COVID
and the many issues that are affiliated with it. Oh yea,
and there appears to be a nursing shortage. It seems like
many things are coming together that will impact us both
personally and professionally, so here’s my take.
Randall Hudspeth
Based on my long career I can ask myself, what have
I learned from history about these issues? Wars are never good for people, but
they come and go. This one is awful and perhaps it is easier for us to focus on
it because it is in Europe and involves America’s greatest foe. Two years ago,
the same devastation, citizen deaths, and destruction of cities happened in
Aleppo, Syria, and its surrounding communities. How much war have I seen or
been involved in? There was Viet Nam, Bosnia, Gulf War, Lebanon, Iraq, Yemen,
Afghanistan and the continual Israeli and Palestinian conflicts. Seventeen years of
my career was spent in the middle-East. I saw and learned a lot. What has history
taught me? That there is no easy solution and life goes on.
What about this nursing shortage? I have seen more than a few nursing
shortages in my career. It is almost to the point that I think we can expand on the
old saying that two things are certain, death and taxes. Maybe that should be three
with a nursing shortage added.
I am Idaho’s primary nursing workforce researcher, so I continually investigate
the issues related to and their impact on the current nursing workforce. I also read
most of the national studies being published on workforce issues in an attempt
to see if those findings can be further explored in Idaho or if the findings and
mitigation strategies to resolve identified problems might be applicable in our rural
state.
The nursing shortage problem is not well defined. Do we have a shortage of
nurses, or do we have a shortage of nurses who are willing to work, or do we
just have a shortage of nurses and support personnel to deliver nursing care in
hospitals and long-term care? The National Council of State Boards of Nursing
has not identified a decrease in the number of nurses licensed in America. A
visit to the Idaho Board of Nursing website shows that the number of licensed
nurses in Idaho is not dropping. Schools of nursing in Idaho are reporting
consistent graduation numbers when compared to previous years. We know
that Idaho’s population growth, which is attributed to in-migration of adults and
not birth-rate, has placed a new and added demand on the healthcare system
and for nursing care in different ways than we have traditionally experienced
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in Idaho. Without a doubt, COVID-19 impacted nurses, just as the 1918
Spanish Flu did when many nurses died, and just as the polio epidemic did
when many nurses stopped working for fear of taking the disease home to
their own children. The polio epidemic in Idaho resulted in St. Luke’s in Boise
closing beds in 1948 because there were no nurses. Saint Alphonsus placed
a surplus World War II U.S. Army field hospital tent in its parking lot at 5th
and State Street in Boise and housed 25 polio patients who were in iron lungs
to segregate them from the general hospital patients. They were so short of
nurses that volunteer firefighters helped man the iron lungs when the power
failed (Hudspeth & Kaiser, 2009).
What we do know is that the COVID pandemic accelerated and focused
attention on a nursing workforce problem that has existed for years before the
pandemic, and that has never been effectively addressed by policy makers.
The pandemic did force the healthcare industry to think differently about how to
meet demands. Methodologies like telehealth greatly expanded, but that has no
impact on the bedside nurse or a hospital’s need to provide nursing care. Nursing
administrators were forced to think about revising models of care delivery. Still, like
we have seen throughout the history of modern nursing, most changes have been
band-aids, and have not been sufficiently adopted to sustain real change and fully
address the supply of nurses needed.
We also know how nurses have been impacted. Today, 22% of direct care
nurses studied reported that they could easily leave their current job. Of this group,
a subset of 60% of them said that insufficient staffing issues, workload involving
patients that are obese, non-compliant and who have demanding families and
visitors that disrupt care are the primary drivers that cause them to want to change
employers. Luckily, most of them remain committed to nursing, they are just not
committed to their employers. A 2021 study identified the top five of 14 issues that
cause nurses to quit (all with scores greater than 50%): 1. Insufficient staffing levels,
2. Demanding workloads and timelines, 3. Emotional stress, 4. Lack of support
and listening by employers, and 5. Physical demands of the job caring for difficult
and complex patients (Berlin et al.).
These are problems that are common to many nurses, but an even bigger
problem is how policy makers and healthcare administrators are looking to address
these problems. History will teach us that we have put band-aids on these same
problems for the past 80 years and these band-aids bought us some time so we
could focus on other issues, and we moved on. History should also teach us that
these problems return because no sustainable mitigations were implemented.
Perhaps what we need to learn from history is that these old solutions that we have
turned to many times over the years are not eternal resolutions to the problems
and we either need different mitigation strategies or we need to implement
sustainable features to current mitigations such as ongoing funding.
Four things have been identified as different approaches that need to be
implemented. They are (1) increase work flexibility, (2) move beyond current
care delivery models, (3) make workforce health and wellbeing a part of the
overall employment systems so access is easier for workers and problems are
managed sooner, and (4) purposefully strengthen the nurse production pipeline for
sustainability.
To accomplish this, there are some solutions that would appear to be low
hanging fruit, but they continue to evade us from being able to operationalize
them. The nursing associations have worked to support increasing nursing
faculty salaries, but the legislature and universities have resisted this. This
year the associations attempted to get legislation passed for a rural nurse loan
repayment program that would support critical access hospitals and rural
healthcare agencies, but Idaho Senators felt that $25,000 was too much to invest
in a nurse to work in a rural community (see the RNLR program story elsewhere
in this issue), although they did pass legislation to incentivize teachers at $1,000
to work in a rural community. The associations were successful to support
nursing regulatory changes to eliminate legislatively mandated nursing oversight
committees, to stop money from nurse license fees being used to support
non-nursing workforce program evaluations, and to protect workplace violence
legislation.
Today there are several workgroups in Idaho that want to evaluate solutions to
“fix” the nursing shortage. One committee does not even have a nurse represented
on the group. Luckily for nursing, the associations and its members are vigilant and
respond to these issues. Remember that any progress that nursing has made over
the years and any regulations that have been implemented to guide and to protect
nurses have happened under the watchful eye and with the support of the nursing
associations.
May is nurses’ month. We can celebrate our achievements, continue healing
the wounds from our losses, and look to the future knowing that we are stronger
because of our history, our colleagueship, our associations, and our willingness to
seek change and look to the future.
References
Berlin, G., Lapointe, M. & Murphy, M. (2021). How healthcare stakeholders can understand,
support, and empower the nursing workforce in the wake of the global health crisis.
https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/healthcare-systems-and-services/our-insights/
nursing-in-2021-retaining-the-healthcare-workforce-when-we-need-it-most
Hudspeth, R., & Kaiser, V. (2009). Charting Idaho nursing history. VKRHPubs, Caxton. (pp
78-99).

May, June, July 2022 RN Idaho • Page 9
ANA-IDAHO PRESIDENTIAL REPORT
Nurses Make a Difference
Dori Healey MSN, APRN-CNS
President, ANA-Idaho
president@idahonurses.org
May is Nurses’ Month and the 2022 theme is “Nurses Make
a Difference.” Reflecting on this theme makes me remember
the two nurses that led me to become a nurse, my mother
and my grandmother. In March I lost my mother, so May being
both nurses’ month and coinciding with Mother’s Day makes
it especially significant for me. These two May holidays made
it very easy for all of us to remember to celebrate the many
nurses who are both nurses and mothers.
As a third-generation nurse we spent much time speaking
of the ever-evolving changes in nursing and then being
reminded that the fundamentals of nursing never change,
this is taking care of people in need and doing it the best that
Grandmother, Julia
Reeves, St. Luke’s
Hospital, Boise,
Graduate
Mother, Debra Langer,
Treasure Valley
Community College
Graduate
Dori Healey
Daughter/
Granddaughter, Dori
Healey, Boise State
University Graduate
we can. We would discuss the impacts that technology has had on nursing, everything
from monitoring vital signs to telling us when medications are due. My grandmother was
astounded that we would even use a computer near a patient and my mother recalled
how she hated having to learn how to chart using a computer, which I learned was not
uncommon in her generation. We would discuss “best practice,” and my grandmother
would laugh because there was “only one way.” I would talk about partnerships with
providers and my grandmother was astonished that we spoke to providers. My mother
would share some off-colored jokes that she told the providers and others at work. That
caused my grandmother to reprimand her because that type of conversation was not
how nurses in her generation would behave.
However, the one thing that we would all agree with is the compassion that we all
shared with patients and how much we loved taking care of “our” patients. We would
share stories of the cantankerous little old man that we adored and the little old lady that
we gave wash rags to fold because she clearly needed to stay busy. All of these stories
were the sharing of compassion and wisdom and empathy.
As the years passed and they were retired nurses, it fell to me to share my nursing
stories because I was the only one still practicing. Both of them would wait for me to visit
and over a coffee, I would share all the new things happening in the profession. They
would want to hear about what I was going to do next. With each passing degree or
new pursuit, they would cheer me on because they knew they raised me to advocate for
nurses and patients, just as they had done throughout their careers.
I often share my story of advocating for nurses and the many ways to become
involved, from applying to be on a governor’s board, to working with your local school, to
running for an office, or volunteering for a charity. I discuss the impact that a nurse’s voice
has on society. I teach nurses to never underestimate how much wisdom they have and
how much they have to offer. I have learned and I have seen that nurses lead with their
hearts, souls, and minds.
So, as we move into this Nurses’ Month 2022 and we celebrate both nurses and
mothers around us, take time to celebrate yourself as well. You are incredible. You have
a lot to be proud of. I am honored to work with you and for you as your ANA-Idaho
President. Thank you for everything you do each day. Thank you for being a nurse.
Thank you for making a difference. Happy Nurses Month 2022!

Page 10 • RN Idaho May, June, July 2022
NPI REPORT
Idaho Legislature Approves Medicaid Reimbursement
Rate Increase for Nurse Practitioners
Colleen M. Shackelford, DNP, APRN, NP-C
Legislative Chair, Nurse Practitioners of Idaho
It is reported that 70,000 Idahoans received
health care with the 2020 expansion of Medicaid
(Reilly, 2020). Broadening health care coverage
was an important step in improving access to care
for Idahoans. However, we must also recognize
the other factors that influence access to care
including overall cost, transportation, geographic
barriers, distribution of providers and the willingness
of providers to accept new Medicaid patients.
Medicaid reimbursement rates, which are generally
lower than private insurance payments, may restrict
the number of Medicaid enrollees private practices
accept.
The rising population and demands for healthcare
are outpacing the supply of primary care providers,
creating an access to care crisis for Idaho. Despite
the lower reimbursement potential, NPs are more
likely to practice in the rural areas (Barnes et al.,
2018, as cited in National Academy of Science,
Engineering and Medicine, 2021, p. 116) and accept
new Medicaid patients. Nurse practitioners are
providing nearly half of the primary care in rural
Idaho (Hudspeth, 2020). “Achieving better care,
smarter spending and healthier people is dependent
on the robust availability of primary care providers.
Projections demonstrate the supply of NPs will
outpace the growth of the primary care physicians”
(US Department of Health and Human Services,
2016, p. 18).
According to the Robert Graham Center (2020),
Idaho will need an additional 382 primary care
providers by 2030, a 44% increase to meet the
demands of population growth. Fortunately, Idaho
has experienced a 29% growth rate of the overall
statewide NP workforce in the past two years and
importantly, the rural, medically underserved areas
experienced a nearly 33% growth rate in primary
care NPs between 2018 and 2020. It is imperative
to provide adequate reimbursement to sustain and
grow the primary care workforce.
Excluding those few employed by Federally
Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), NPs in primary
care settings have been reimbursed 15-30% less
than physicians for the same billed services from
state and federally funded Medicaid. Medicaid
was signed into law in 1965 with federally funded
Medicare under Title XIX of the Social Security
Act. All states, the District of Columbia, and the
U.S. territories have Medicaid programs designed
to provide health coverage for low-income people
(Idaho State Legislature, 2019). Although the federal
government establishes certain parameters for all
states to follow, each state uniquely administers
the Medicaid program, resulting in variations in
Medicaid coverage and reimbursement rates across
the country.
Idaho statute 56-265 regulates that provider
payments “may be up to but shall not exceed
100% of the current Medicare rate for primary
care procedure codes as defined by the Center
for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) and shall be
90% of the current Medicare rate for all other
procedure codes” (Idaho Legislature, 2021).
Medicare reimburses NPs at 85% of the physician
rate for primary care services and despite being
a forerunner in NP practice laws, Idaho is one of
just four states in the nation that continues to align
Medicaid rates with this 86% Medicare rate limit.
The Nurse Practitioners of Idaho (NPI) found that
many primary care NPs are reimbursed up to 20%
less for primary care services. This is in addition to
the already discounted Medicare rate. Data analysis
demonstrated that if rates were increased to 100%
of the NP Medicare rate (an increase of 20%), a
single NP practice would recognize over $8,000 in
additional revenue annually.
Concerns that increased reimbursement
for NPs may drive up health care costs are
not substantiated. Evidence supports NP cost
effectiveness in all settings including primary
care, acute care, and long-term care (American
Association of Nurse Practitioners, 2013). NP led
care reduces emergency room utilization, pharmacy
cost, inpatient hospitalizations, and results in
monthly cost savings (American Association of
Nurse Practitioners, 2013.)
After several meetings with key stakeholders over
the past two years, NPI has successfully negotiated
a rate increase for NP primary care services! This
20% rate increase was recently proposed by the
department of health and welfare in their annual
budget. As of this writing, the rate increase has
passed the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee
(JFAC) and is pending approval by the legislature. It
is important to note that these rates are evaluated
annually and dependent on budgetary constraints.
NPI should continue lobbying efforts to ensure
NPs are adequately reimbursed for their valuable
services. The importance of membership is ever
apparent. All NPs in Idaho should become members
of NPI. It is vital to health equity that NPs remain
engaged and responsive to legislation. These
impactful changes, which improve reimbursement
for every Idaho NP could not have been achieved
without organization support and lobbying efforts.
References
American Association of Nurse Practitioners. (2020).
Quality of nurse practitioner practice [Position
Statement]. https://www.aanp.org/advocacy/
advocacyresource/positionstatements/quality-ofnurse-practitioner-practice.
American Association of Nurse Practitioners. (2013).
Nurse practitioner cost effectiveness [Position
Statement]. https://www.aanp.org/advocacy/
advocacy-resource/position-statements/nursepractitioner-cost-effectiveness.
American Association of Medical Colleges. (2018). State
physician workforce data report. https://www.
aamc.org/data-reports/workforce/report/statephysician-workforce-data-report.
Harkless, G., & Vece, L. (2018). Systematic review
addressing nurse practitioner reimbursement
policy: Part one of a four-part series on critical
topics identified by the 2015 nurse practitioner
research agenda. Journal of the American
Association of Nurse Practitioners, 30(12), 673-682.
https://doi.org/10.1097/JXX.0000000000000121.
Hudspeth, R. (2020). Idaho nursing workforce: 2020
Report on the current supply, education, and future
employment demand projections. https://ibn.idaho.
gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/2020-Idaho-
Nursing-Workforce-Report.pdf.
Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, Division
of Medicaid. (2020). Medicaid basic plan
benefits. https://adminrules.idaho.gov/rules/
current/16/160309.pdf.
Idaho Department of Health and Welfare. (2020). Rural
health and underserved areas: Improving access
to healthcare. https://healthandwelfare.idaho.gov/
providers/rural-health-and-underserved-areas/
rural-health-and-underserved-areas.
Idaho State Legislature. (2020). Legislative book
addendum: Department of health and welfare,
division of Medicaid. https://legislature.idaho.
gov/wp-content/uploads/budget/JFAC/
sessionrecord/2019/3.Health%20and%20
Human%20Services/Health%20and%20
Welfare,%20Department%20of/Medicaid,%20
Division%20of/~Budget%20Hearing/February%20
11,%202019/A.Packet.pdf?1551895811.
Idaho State Legislature. (2021). 2021 Legislative budget
book.. https://legislature.idaho.gov/wp-content/
uploads/budget/publications/Legislative-Budget-
Book/2021/Legislative%20Budget%20Book.pdf.
Idaho Legislature. (2021). Idaho Statutes. Chapter 2,
Section 56-265.
https://legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/idstat/
title56/t56ch2/sect56-265/#:~:text=Inpatient%20
and%20outpatient%20adjustment%20
payments%20shall%20be%20subject%20to%20
increase,164%2C%20sec.
Mazzocco, W. J. (2000). The Balanced budget act
of 1997: Reimbursement and the advanced
practice Nurse. https://www.medscape.com/
viewarticle/408389_3.
National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and
Medicine. (2021). The Future of Nursing 2020-
2030: Charting a Path to Achieve Health Equity.
Washington, D.C.: The National Academies Press.
https://doi.org/10.17226/25982.
Perloff, J., DesRoches, C. M., & Buerhaus, P. (2016).
Comparing the cost of care provided to
Medicare beneficiaries assigned to primary
care nurse practitioners and physicians. Health
Services Research, 51(4), 1407-1423. htt
ps://10.1111/1475-6773.12425.
Terry Reilly Health Services. (2020). https://www.trhs.org/
services/.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2016).
National and regional projections of supply and
demand for primary care practitioners: 2013-
2025. Rockville, Maryland http://bhw.hrsa.gov/
healthworkforce/index.html.

Page 12 • RN Idaho May, June, July 2022
IDAHO NURSING
AWARDS AND
RECOGNITIONS
RN Idaho recognizes nurses who make significant contributions to
the advancement of nursing from the bedside to the boardroom. We are
extremely proud of Idaho Nurses and congratulate you for the positive effect
you have on patient and professional outcomes!
Dana Deichman
West Valley Medical Center
Caldwell
DAISY AWARD RECIPIENTS
Lisa McCain
West Valley Medical Center
Caldwell
Congratulations to Dana Deichman - our latest #DaisyAward recipient! Dana is
a nurse in our Behavioral Health Unit at West Valley Medical Center in Caldwell,
Idaho who was nominated by a patient for being compassionate and respectful.
“Don’t ever lose your humor...you’re a gem.”
Nicole Malstrom
Madison Memorial Hospital
Rexburg
Over the last year, I’ve had the opportunity to be a patient as
well as a staff member for MMH. I have always enjoyed my
interactions with Nicole as a fellow employee but it wasn’t
until I was on the other side of the curtain, as a patient, that I
really got to experience the amazing person she is. On one
particular visit to surgery, I was feeling extremely anxious and
overwhelmed with my recent diagnosis and fear of the road
ahead of me. Although Nicole was not the nurse assigned to
take care of me for that day’s procedure, she was aware
enough to observe that I needed some extra help. I’m so
grateful to her that she stepped into my room when she saw
that I needed help. That “help” was emotional support and
words of encouragement that I will NEVER forget. I clung to those words of
encouragement that she offered during some of the hardest days. She had the ability to
see that my emotional need far exceeded my physical need at that time, and she lifted
my spirits and provided me service that no one can teach.
Several months later I was back in for a separate procedure, and luckily Nicole was
my assigned nurse. I felt so at ease to know that I was in good hands and I never felt like
a patient but more like family. I was in a much better place emotionally but required more
physical help than I had during the previous procedure. Nicole made me feel like I was
her only patient for the day and that she was there for me for anything that I needed. I
never felt rushed or uncomfortable. I am so grateful for Nicole and her ability to observe
and react to my needs, both emotional and physical. I will never forget how she made me
feel and I’m so lucky to have her in my corner.
Kelly Thier
St. Luke’s Health Systems
Boise
Congrats to Lisa McCain - our latest Daisy Award Recipient at West Valley
Medical Center in Caldwell, Idaho! Lisa is a nurse in our Float Pool who was
nominated by a colleague - a nurse in our ER. The story that spurred her
nomination is very heartwarming!
A patient in a car accident was discharged before he could recover his
belongings because the items were part of an ongoing investigation including his
wallet and other essentials so Lisa went above and beyond to #CareLikeFamily:
“Lisa took the man to a hotel and paid for his room just to be able to help him out.”
“She shows compassion and caring to all of her patients, assisting them with their
needs and being the listening ear that some people need to make their day better…We
appreciate her and love having her as a team member!” -Kathy, ER Nurse
Thank you to Lisa for all you do to #RaiseTheBar!

May, June, July 2022 RN Idaho • Page 13
Congratulations Kelly! Her nominator writes, “I
was willing to work harder to gain the strength to
walk out of the hospital and return home to my wife
and family. I don’t know if I will ever get to see Kelly
again or ever repay her for the impact she made in
my life. But I want to thank her again for not only
being my nurse but most of all being a Friend. May
God bless you and protect you. Your patient and
Friend, Simon Villanueva”
Liz Watson
St. Luke’s Health Systems
Boise
LEADERSHIP AND SERVICE
RECOGNITION
Joan Agee
Lewiston
Joan Agee, DNP, MSN, RN,
FACHE was appointed to the
Board of the Idaho Chapter
of the American College of
Healthcare Executives and
will serve as the Chair of the
Education Committee.
Dr. Agee is the pastpresident
of Nurse Leaders
of Idaho and IALN and is a
member of ANA-Idaho. Previous to her accepting
a faculty position at Lewis Clark State College’s
nursing program, she was the Chief Operating
Officer and Chief Nursing Officer at St. Luke’s
Hospital in Nampa. Prior to her executive role at St.
Luke’s, she served as Vice President of Patient Care
Services and Chief Nursing Officer at St. Joseph
Regional Medical Center in Lewiston. She received
her DNP from Gonzaga University and her MSN
from Idaho State University.
Idaho Nursing Education Fund
Report – January to March
Congratulations Liz! Her nominator writes “She was
scheduled to be off at 7 pm and I told her the next
nurse could handle me. She stayed at least another
hour to try and rectify my pain. It did eventually get
better but her dedication and professionalism during
my stay was exceptional. I felt she loved her job and
was very good at it.”
The Idaho Center for Nursing has continued the donation drive to increase the
balance of the Idaho Nursing Education Fund, which is a part of the 501c3 tax
exempt nursing philanthropy and education program. Today’s FUND Balance is
$132,750 with a goal of $200,000.
Each Idaho nurse was asked to contribute at least $10 or more towards this fund.
As of March 15, the following new donations have been received. Thank
you to the nurses who have contributed to this education fund, and this
month we especially want to thank GRAIL, Inc. and the HCA Foundation. To
learn more about the Fund’s history, a list of donors and today’s priorities, go
to: Today’s Idaho Nurses Education Fund | Idaho Center for Nursing | Nursing
Network
To make a donation go to: Make a Donation Form | Idaho Center for Nursing |
Nursing Network
NEW Donor List
$5,000
GRAIL, Inc.
$1,000 to $2,499
Randall & Ingrid Hudspeth,
RN
$600
The Blackbaud Giving Fund,
HCA Healthcare Foundation
Up to $99
Veronica Wallace, RN
Sara Barnard
St. Luke’s Health Systems
Boise
DONATE NOW
PLEASE JOIN OTHER IDAHO NURSES AND
DONATE $10 OR MORE TO THE FUND.
The 2022 goal is to raise $200,000 to support CNE for nurses in Idaho.
Congratulations Sara! Her nominators write,
“We first met Sara B on 12/6/2021 during the Stem
Cell Transplant procedure, called day ZERO in
the transplant world. Sara was part of the team
assigned to Wade during the lengthy process of
reintroducing his stem cells back into his body. Sara
was professional, kind, and eager to make sure we
were not just observers to this event. She thoroughly
explained every step and even took out her cell
phone to place a backlight behind the tubing so we
could watch the stem cells travel through the line. It
is a vision I will never forget. The kindness in Sara’s
face as she said, “Can you see them?? Aren’t they
beautiful?”
TO DONATE on-line GO TO:
Make a Donation Form | Idaho Center for Nursing |
Nursing Network

Page 14 • RN Idaho May, June, July 2022
The Dana
Gulbranson 2022
Spirit of Nursing
Conference
Boise, Idaho
The Spirit of Nursing Conference celebrates
nurses, advances nursing practice and leadership,
and re-centers participants in Relationship Based
Care, caring for self, colleagues, and patients and
families. The conference, marking its 11th year,
was established to honor the spirit and memory
of Dana Gulbranson. Dana came to St. Luke’s in
the early 80’s as a new graduate nurse from South
Dakota. Her career advanced from clinical nurse
to nurse educator and then nursing director of the
telemetry departments. She was a relationship
builder by nature with a personality that could be
described as gregarious. She loved to laugh and
made it a point to include others in her fun. Her
early work and partnerships with the cardiology
department were foundational to the success of
the Heart and Vascular service line. Dana was an
outstanding nursing leader, she had vision and
the ability to see complex projects through to the
conclusion. The most important aspect of Dana’s
legacy is the influence she had in the lives of her
colleagues. She hired and mentored many nurses
who are now prominent nurse leaders and practice
experts in the St. Luke’s system and in turn they
continue to share their expertise, growing new
leaders and practice experts.
Dana died in 2011, after a courageous battle
with cancer. To honor her work and phenomenal
spirit, an endowment was created through the St.
Luke’s Foundation by her loving colleagues. The
conference is funded by the philanthropic fund
and exists to continue to aid in celebrating nursing
practice and enhancing the spirit of all nurses.
Information about how to contribute to the Spirit
of Nursing fund can be found at St. Luke’s Health
Foundation - Contact St. Luke’s Health Foundation
(stlukesonline.org)

May, June, July 2022 RN Idaho • Page 15
PRACTICE MATTERS
From the Ground Up – Clinical Ladder Development
Misty Gordon, MSN, RN
Inpatient Director | Madison Memorial Hospital
Misty.gordon@mmhnet.org
What more can a hospital do to engage staff, improve
outcomes and find savings? It sounds impossible when
hospitals are striving to meet the demands that navigating
the pandemic has required. Madison Memorial Hospital,
a 76-bed facility located in Rexburg, Idaho, was able to
accomplish this. In 2019 we began our journey developing
a clinical ladder to support frontline nurses. Madison has
engaged staff and a skilled workforce, but there were
missing elements for recognition and advancement. We
wanted to promote engagement and ensure nurses were
recognized for their efforts with a formal structure that
would promote these goals. We would like to walk you through our journey as we
developed our clinical ladder.
Identifying this need, Kevin McEwan (DNP, RN, NEA-BC, Chief Nursing Officer) and
Misty Gordon (MSN, RN, Director of Inpatient Services) formed a team of experienced
frontline nurses to develop a clinical ladder that would be customized to our
organization. The clinical advancement program is an evidence-based approach that
encourages nurses to grow professionally and be recognized/rewarded for advancing
practice and impacting organizational outcomes related to safety, compassion and
engagement.
Initially our work began with research. We networked to identify organizations that
had successful existing clinical ladder programs. Most established clinical ladders
existed in large hospital systems with robust incentives and resources; it was difficult
to mirror the large programs due to the unique size of our community-owned facility.
Our committee assisted in the
development of our curriculum using our
research as a foundation. We needed
to create a simple program that was
concise and fit our needs. The first step
was to obtain buy-in with administration
and present a budget for nurses that
recognizes successful completion of the
requirements. We made assignments
and went to work. After presenting to
administration, our CMO, Dr. Clay Prince,
provided affirmation, “anything we can do to reward, recognize, and advance staff
is great!”
We then set the goals of this program. Goal-setting helped us stay focused
so we could design a program structure to obtain great outcomes. MMH
clinical ladder program helps nurses grow in their professional development. We
accomplish this in the following ways:
1. Advance clinical practice
2. Incentivize nurses who stay at the bedside
3. Plan for succession
The next step was for our team to create a draft of the clinical ladder. We
wanted a cafeteria-style design so that nurses could pick and choose what options
they would like to participate in under the following three categories that are
aligned with elements of Magnet.
1. Transformational Leadership
2. Structural Empowerment and
3. New Knowledge and Innovation.
We made a list of specific criteria and associated a point-value based on the
amount of work it would take to complete the requirement. Our committee
introduced the program and criteria to clinical leaders and requested feedback. In
order to be successful, the applicants need leader support, resources and time to
allocate to their efforts.
Feedback was received and we went to work creating all of the organizational
tools that the applicant would need. We structured an application process, a
welcome letter, the project/point grid, quarterly meeting agendas, and the final
presentation agenda when nurses present their work to the committee. We created
quarterly one-on-one meetings with department leadership to monitor consistent
progress and to ensure the achievements were adding value.
The paperwork was finalized and aggressive marketing of the clinical ladder
began. We spread details of the program in all shared governance meetings and
newsletters. The committee developed a script for a video clip to encourage
nurses to apply. All of these efforts helped us obtain participants from various
departments. In the inaugural year we had nearly 20 apply for advancement.
After months of work and preparation the first group of nurses began to achieve
the goals that they set with department leadership. By August 2021, Madison
nurses completed the final interview with leadership and prepared to present their
successes to the clinical ladder committee. A fifteen-minute presentation was
brought by each nurse to the committee to highlight their exceptional work. It was
impressive!
The journey to increase professionalism, knowledge and ongoing leadership
development is important. We will continue to improve our program. It takes grit
and a lot of hard work, however, the overall reward to the profession and individual
nurse is great!
Developing a Written Strategy for Leadership Survival and Well-Being
Michelle R. Troseth, MSN, RN, FNAP, FAAN
Co-Founder, MissingLogic®
Co-Host, Healthcare’s MissingLogic Podcast
michelle@missinglogic.com
Editor’s Note: In January 2022, the Idaho Center for Nursing partnered with
MissingLogic® to offer a five-day, one hour per day, workshop focused on building
a survival plan for leaders. The virtual workshop had 96 nurse leaders engage
and most completed the five day program. Because of this success and the
recommendations of participants, the program described here will be offered in
June. Watch for more details on the NLI and ANAI websites and in the Tuesday
Nursing Flash.
The negative impact that the pandemic has had on nurse leaders is starting
to reveal itself. The American Organization of Nurse Leaders (AONL) published a
COVID-19 Longitudinal Study (2021) that revealed emotional health is declining,
with 25% of nurse leaders reporting being not emotionally well. The report also
identified a significant increase (by 123%) of nurse leaders’ intent to leave their
positions. Unquestionably, burnout was an issue before the COVID-19 pandemic,
and today leaders are suffering.
A recent resource publication from the National Academy of Medicine
(2022) on the Future of Nursing Report 2020-2030 highlighted the
recommendation of promoting nurse well-being. The resource for promoting
well-being shared opportunities for employers of nurses, nursing education
programs, licensing boards, nursing organizations and nurse leaders
to implement interventions to foster nurse well-being. Specifically, nurse
leaders can “shape the day-to-day work life of nurses: setting the culture
and tone of the workplace, developing and enforcing policies, and serving
as exemplars of well-being.” From our experience in working with healthcare
leaders for over the past 24 months, nurse leaders are not feeling much like
exemplars themselves these days. In fact, there have been many days when
leaders like you are barely “surviving.”
MissingLogic® is pleased to partner with the Idaho Center for Nursing to help
nurse leaders take that first step on surviving the pandemic so they can combat
their burnout, reclaim their lives, and eventually thrive again. With the first cohort
through our Leadership Survivor Bootcamp (January 2022), it proved to be a valueadded
member benefit. Nurse leaders took advantage of developing their own
Leadership Survival Blueprint for managing their professional life and personal
life over the next few months. Two main insights were identified and shared by
participants: “I did not realize this would be so helpful to me personally,” and “I
hope my colleagues can have this opportunity and that they get as much out of
this that I did.”
If you would like to participate in the next Leadership Survival Bootcamp and
take that first step to being that nurse leader that is an exemplar of well-being, take
advantage of the June 6-June 10 bootcamp coming soon!
References
https://www.aonl.org/resources/nursing-leadership-covid-19-survey
https://nam.edu/publications/the-future-of-nursing-2020-2030/nurse-well-being-resource/

Page 16 • RN Idaho May, June, July 2022
Celebrating 50 Years of
Nurse Practitioner Practice in Idaho
Responding to Needs of Rural Communities
Sparked A New Healthcare Profession
Marie Osborn APRN-NP
Editor’s Note: Nurse Practitioners of Idaho (NPI) is
celebrating 50 years of NP practice in Idaho. NPI is
honoring Marie Osborn, who was one of the first NPs
licensed in Idaho in 1972 and who was the first NP to
practice alone in a rural community, Stanley. Marie Osborn
received the first NP license on the day when the first 10
NP licenses were issued. Now in her 90’s, she is writing
a book that details the events surrounding her starting
the Stanley Clinic and the many interesting cases and the
many barriers she had to overcome to maintain a practice
that today would be easier because of her efforts.
Marie Osborn ARNP at the Stanley Clinic
Idaho was the first state to license nurse practitioners,
and Marie was Idaho’s first. From 1972 - 1999, she
was the sole provider for nearly 6,000 square miles
of backcountry. She later worked in rural clinics in
Horseshoe Bend, Emmett, and Idaho City, and then
saw low-income patients in Boise before losing
her eyesight and retiring at age 80.
Photographer Roland Miller.
Idaho was the first state to license Nurse
Practitioners in 1972. Today, over 325,000 nurse
practitioners are licensed in the United States
and the profession has expanded internationally.
Professions start somewhere, and in this case the
nurse practitioner as a professional serving the
healthcare needs of rural and remote Idaho started
in Stanley. June 19, Father’s Day, will mark the 50th
anniversary of the Stanley Clinic and ambulance
service. As nurse practitioners, our rural roots
and commitment to underserved communities are
important looking back – and looking forward.
I didn’t set out to be one of the first to champion
a profession. I wasn’t even looking for a job. A car
accident near Stanley nearly killed four kids, and
hours passed before an ambulance arrived from
Hailey. That hit so close to home with my own five
kids and with my oldest sons starting to drive. It
was like someone tapping me on the shoulder and
said, “You’re it.” From 1972-1999, I was the sole
licensed provider of primary-care and emergency
services for about 6,000-square-miles of wild
Idaho.
The Idaho Hospital Association both challenged
and supported me to provide emergency services
for the Sawtooth country. In the early 1970s there
was no clinic or emergency services except for the
Forest Service staff who were first-aid-trained, and
a station wagon. As an RN, I trained the staff to
open a clinic and an ambulance service.
The expanded role of the RN to be a NP
required changes to the Nurse Practice Act.
This change in the law was sponsored by
Representative John Edwards, MD of Council,
and Representative Margot Tregoning, RN from
Kellogg. The Boards of Nursing and Medicine
worked together and developed license rules and
defined a scope of practice. This work resulted in
licenses being first issued in 1972.
Training at the Harborview ER 50 years ago,
I worked with University of Washington faculty
physicians to write the first training protocols
for emergency medicine nurse practitioners.
The Idaho Board of Nursing wanted me to have
additional training in family medicine and helped
me attend the first class for nurse practitioners at
the University of Utah. Later, training at Chicago’s
Cook County ER and Morgue, I was the first
woman to ride ambulance in South Side Chicago
in a state where the nurse practitioner idea was still
slow to take hold.
On Father’s Day, 1972, with support from the
Stanley community, Wood River Valley physicians,
and my husband, Cal, we celebrated the opening
of the Salmon River Emergency Clinic. Three
months later, political and community leaders
gathered at Redfish Lake to dedicate the Sawtooth
National Recreation Area (SNRA). The SNRA has
attracted increasing numbers of people and more
visitors create more demand for emergency and
primary-care services.
Our first EMT class graduated in 1972. We
purchased our first ambulance from Mountain
Home Air Force Base for $300. It was a surplus
1958 Pontiac ambulance. Boise’s Bishop
Volkswagen painted the ambulance orange and
white, stenciling “Stanley Ambulance” in blue
letters. Mats covered holes in the floorboards. We
carried flashlights in case we lost our headlights –
which happened going over Galena Pass at night
and 40-below zero.
‘58 Pontiac Ambulance.
Costing $300 and obtained as surplus from Mountain
Home Air Force Base, this was the first Stanley
Ambulance. Today, ambulances cost over $100,000. The
cost of maintaining a rural ambulance service is high. The
Stanley ambulance was staffed by all-volunteer EMTs who
Marie trained. Photo from Marie Osborn photo archive.
By the mid-1970s Stanley, Idaho, had a new clinic,
a new ambulance and a new emergency radio system
connecting to Idaho EMS “State Com,” that was
Idaho’s first local 9-1-1 system. It also had a vibrant
volunteer EMT program, and a pre-med internship
program through the College of Idaho. In 1982 we
added WAMI medical students and, later, NP training.
Air ambulances originally came from Mountain
Home AFB (MAST) and later Forest Service forest
fire helicopters responded. Much later Life Flight was
available.
Emergency calls in the Sawtooth country are rich
with stories of incredible saves and horrific losses.
Thank you to the many people who have supported
Stanley’s clinic and ambulance service over the
decades. One person doesn’t do it all. Rural EMS
and rural health care takes a team. When someone is
having chest pain, or their car is in the river – people
put aside their differences to save a life. (Then they
return to their squabbling.)
Rural Trauma.
Marie and volunteer EMTs, many from the U.S. Forest
Service, responding to a trauma case. Before Marie,
the Forest Service took the emergency calls, and used
agency rigs to transport patients from the Sawtooth
country to the ER in Sun Valley. Photo from the Marie
Osborn photo archive.

May, June, July 2022 RN Idaho • Page 17
All-volunteer EMTs and drivers with Marie: the Stanley Ambulance.
The Stanley Ambulance and Stanley Clinic are important in medical history because of their contribution to the
creation of the Nurse Practitioner and rural EMS. Photographer Roland Miller.
Air Ambulance.
The evolution of the NP and rural EMS occurred together,
and Marie’s experiences helped drive EMS. Early air
ambulance transport came from Mountain Home Air
Force Base (MAST) and Forest Service fire-fighting
helicopters. Later came LifeFlight and other dedicated air
ambulance services. Photo by Ketchum Fire Department.
“It’s easier to ask forgiveness than permission”
only goes so far. Caring for patients in extreme and
dire circumstances who were about to die, I had to
act. In the process, me being the first NP and the
sole provider in a large segment of Idaho created
substantial controversies in other settings. The people
of Stanley rallied time and again, driving to Boise more
than once, to save their clinic and ambulance service.
Repeated hearings before professional boards
and the Legislature opened the eyes of many people
to the realities and needs of rural health care. Those
Boise hearings led directly to decisions on prescriptive
authority and other issues that established and
clarified what NPs can do. My focus remained on
providing primary care and responding to emergency
calls 24/7 for three decades.
After leaving the Stanley clinic in 1999, I worked
in other rural clinics in Horseshoe Bend, Idaho City,
and Emmett before providing care in Boise for people
with marginal incomes and little or no insurance.
After turning 80 and losing my eyesight, I finally (and
reluctantly) hung my stethoscope for the last time. If
who we are is what we do, then I am and always will
be a nurse practitioner. I loved my work.
Can LPN’s Pick up the Staffing Slack?
Rachel Ardern MN, RN
Assistant Professor | Weber State University
As COVID-19 continued, nursing workloads and
burn out began to rise (Lasalvia et al., 2021). The
previous factors that contributed to nurse burnout,
such as job stress, inadequate pay was exacerbated
by inadequate levels of staffing with nurses identifying
that additional support was needed to decrease
burnout and adverse outcomes such as poor patient
outcomes (Sullivan et al., 2022). Organizations have
attempted to find solutions to the levels of staffing,
requiring mandatory overtime, recruiting travel nurses
to fill short-term staffing gaps, and cancelling elective
procedures.
While these solutions are short-term fixes, the
long-term impact of the pandemic has resulted in
an organizational and political push to look beyond
the role of the RN and towards the introduction of
Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) into the acute care
environment. It is assumed that where there are
more nurses available on the floor there would be a
correlation in decreases in length of stay for patients
(Pitkäaho et al., 2016). Supporting the introduction
of LPNs to the acute care environment, Moore et al.
(2019) argued that where there are high functioning
teams, where teamwork is collaborated between
LPNs and RNs, there is a positive impact on the level
of patient care, decreased costs to the organization
and produces increased job satisfaction and
productivity.
What is essential to the success of teamwork
though is a clear scope of practice between LPNs
and RNs. For these two roles to work closely
together, RNs must be aware and understand the
practice frameworks for themselves and for LPNs
and this must be reciprocated by LPNs (Lemetti
et al., 2015). What is further assumed within this
structure is that the function of nursing can be
shrunk down to the tasks and skills that need to
be completed thereby allowing the RN to delegate
skill-based tasks to the LPN while retaining
responsibility.
For the collaboration between LPNs and RNs to
be successful and to ensure that there is uniformity
and conformity between these roles, a common
language and framework has been established that is
used to validate the different scopes of practices. A
structure of competencies, a focus on skills that can
easily be delegated to LPNs or RNs interchangeably,
has the potential to become the focus of healthcare
organizations in an attempt to increase workforce
flexibility. This focus, however, fails to recognize the
impact of nursing judgement which is characterized
by critical thinking, prioritization of patient care
and nurses having a self-awareness of their own
limitations in both skill and knowledge (de Tantillo et
al., 2019).
As Wheelahan (2017) indicated, competencies
were developed not to convey knowledge but rather
as the method by which skills could be developed
as an observable performance, at a set time, in a
set environment. The process associated with the
structure of skill mastery and competence limits an
individual’s use and application of critical knowledge
within an environment where distinct skills were
prioritized.
As organizations attempt to create flexibility
within the clinical environment this potential shift
to introducing LPNs into acute care environments
has the possibility to increase poor patient
outcomes. The blurring of boundaries between
LPN and RN as described by Billet (2016) as the
privilege of administrative function of educational
imperatives does nothing to address the required
knowledge to provide safe and effective patient
care. Only through increased availability of RNs
and increased educational support will there be
continual improvements in quality of care and patient
outcomes (Aiken & Sloan, 2020).
References
Aiken, L.H. and Sloane, D.M. (2020). Nurses matter: more
evidence. BMJ Quality and Safety, 29(1), 1-3. http://
dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmjqs-2019-009732
Billett, S. (2016). Beyond competence: an essay on a
process approach to organising and enacting
vocational education. International Journal of Training
Research,14(3), 197-214, https://doi:10.1080/1448022
0.2016.1254365
de Tantillo, L., De Santis, J. (2019). Nursing judgement:
a concept analysis. Advances in Nursing
Science, 42(3), 266-276. https://doi.org/10.1097/
ans.0000000000000245
Lasalvia, A., Amaddeo, F., Porru, S., Carta, A., Tardivo, S.,
Bovo, C., Ruggeri, M., Bonetto, C. (2021). Levels
of burn-out among healthcare workers during the
COVID-19 pandemic and their associated factors:
a cross-sectional study in a tertiary hospital of
a highly burdened area of north-east Italy. BMJ
Open 11(1), e045127. http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/
bmjopen-2020-045127
Lemetti, T., Stolt, M., Rickard, N., Suhunen, R. (2015).
Collaboration between hospital and primary care
nurses: a literature review. International Nursing
Review, 62(2), 248-266. https://doi.org/10.1111/
inr.12147
Moore, J., Prentice, D., Crawford, J., Lankshear, S.,
Limoges, J., Rhodes, K. (2019). Collaboration
among registered nurses and practical nurses in
acute care hospitals: A scoping review. Nursing
Forum, 54(3), 376-385. https://doi.org/10.1111/
nuf.12339
Pitkäaho, T., Partanen, P., Miettinen, M.H., Vehviläinen-
Julkunen, K. (2016). The relationship between nurse
staffing and length of stay in acute-care: a one-year
time-series data. Journal of Nursing Management,
24(5), 571-579. https://doi.org/10.1111/jonm.12359
Sullivan, D., Sullivan, V., Weatherspoon, D., Frazer, C. (2022).
Comparison of nurse burnout, before and during the
covid-19 pandemic. Nursing Clinics of North America,
57(1), 79-99. https://doi-org.hal.weber.edu/10.1016/j.
cnur.2021.11.006
Wheelahan, L. (2017). Rethinking Skills development:
Moving Beyond Competency-Based Training. In J.
Buchanan, D. Finegold, K. Mayhew, and C. Warhurst
(Ed.), The Oxford Handbooks of Skills and Training
(pp. 636-651) New York, New York: Oxford University
Press, ISBN 978-0-019-965536-6

Page 18 • RN Idaho May, June, July 2022
FEATURE
Idaho’s Mandatory Reporting Laws for Abuse,
Neglect and Exploitation
Michelle Anderson, DNP, APRN-FNP, FAANP
Idaho AANP Representative
Let’s start with a simple truth: healthcare
providers, including nurses and nurse practitioners,
are required by law to report the abuse of
children and adults to protective authorities or law
enforcement agencies. The fact that maltreatment
of our vulnerable children and adults continues
to remain a problem is a more complicated truth.
Every year, more than four million referrals are made
to child protection agencies nationally involving
more than 4.3 million children. National elder abuse
annual estimates are five million. Despite this,
confusion and hesitancy remain when it comes to
reporting. Perhaps it remains that way because it is
wrought with emotion and outrage. There is often a
sense of distrust and dishonesty both by the public
and within the system itself. When you are going
down a path of consideration for reporting concerns
there is often a fear of retaliation, thoughts of
confusion on accuracy of findings or reports, worry
over manipulation, and ultimately true concern for
the impacted individual, be they young or old. When
you are a healthcare provider all these things play
a role, but in the end, we are left with the law. No
matter the age of the party of concern, healthcare
providers are mandatory reporters. We know that
when we make that phone call that we are setting
up a potential destruction of the therapeutic
relationship we hold with that individual, and almost
assuredly with their family. It often feels like a point
of no return and with that the weight of the decision
is huge.
Although uncomfortable and fraught with some
uncertainty, you would think that in the end doing
what feels is the correct thing to do would be
straightforward. You would be surprised at how
many people get stuck at this point, not picking
up that phone, and hoping that all will be well and,
that they are just inaccurate in their evaluation of the
situation. For those who make the call and report
the concern, and suffer extensive backlash and
misrepresentation of their intentions, it is one more
thing that makes it harder for the next person to
make that call.
Background
Child maltreatment, the abuse and neglect of
children under the age of 18, is prevalent throughout
the world. The World Health Organization (2020)
reveals that nearly three in four children aged two to
four years regularly suffer physical punishment and/
or psychological violence at the hands of parents
and caregivers, and one in five women and one in
13 men report having been sexually abused as a
child. When defining abuse, Idaho Statutes states
abuse as “the intentional or negligent infliction of
physical pain, injury or mental injury” (2016). In
Idaho, the Statutes describes injury to a child as
“unjustifiable physical pain or mental suffering,
or having the care or custody of any child, willfully
causes or permits the person or health of such
child to be injured, or willfully causes or permits
such child to be placed in such situation that its
person or health is endangered” (Idaho Statutes,
2005). Consequences of maltreatment can cause
an interruption in early brain development, includes
lifelong impaired physical and mental health, and
carries a likelihood to abuse others when they
become an adult.
When looking at vulnerable adults, exploitation
is viewed as “an action which may include, but
is not limited to, the unjust or improper use of
a vulnerable adult’s financial power of attorney,
funds, property or resources by another person for
profit or advantage.” Finally neglect, when directed
towards vulnerable adults, is defined as “failure
of a caretaker to provide food, clothing, shelter or
medical care to a vulnerable adult, in such a manner
as to jeopardize the life, health or safety of the
vulnerable adult” (Idaho Statutes, 2005).
What are the facts about abuse in Idaho? In
2017, Idaho had almost 21,000 referrals for child
abuse and neglect (Child Welfare League of
America, 2019). About 8,500 of those reported
were referred for further investigation. About 1,800
were found to be victims of abuse and neglect.
There were 10 child deaths as a result of abuse or
neglect. In 2019 approximately 13,380 children were
involved in investigations for maltreatment or other
issues where it was felt that timely intervention
was warranted. From that group, approximately
3,200 received services based on the result of an
investigation. Approximately 1,300 children entered
foster care, of which 64% were later reunited with
their families (Idaho Fact Sheet, 2021). Although
these numbers vary from year to year, the issue is
unfortunately not going away.
Adult neglect and abuse can be even more
difficult to discover and the number of individuals
that are mandatory reporters are less. About one in
10 Americans over the age of 60 have experienced
abuse. This creates healthcare and legal costs that
are often carried by public programs like Medicare
and Medicaid (Idaho Commission on Aging,
2022). Elder abuse can be any mistreatment of a
senior. Examples include confinement, neglect,
abandonment, bodily injury, financial exploitation,
and verbal intimidation and threats. Sexual abuse
can fit into any of these vulnerable populations and
is a topic all on its own.
Current Idaho Law and Policies
In 1971, Idaho put into effect laws that exempted
parents from criminal injury, nonsupport, or
manslaughter charges if they relied on only spiritual
means to heal their sick or injured child. There is no
evidence in the books indicating that any testimony
was taken on these laws. In 1975 more exemptions
were enacted requiring states to pass a religious
exemption to child neglect in order to receive federal
money for their child protection programs.
The Idaho Child Protective Act was added in 1976
and has gone through changes and adjustments
legislatively throughout the years. As recent as 2020
there was a bill introduced into Idaho legislature
(HB 455) hoping to amend the requirement for most
Idaho residents to be mandatory reporters, that
passed through a committee but eventually failed in
the House. The last adjustment on this act was in
2018. Chapter 16, Title 16, under the Idaho Statutes,
is dedicated to this act. There are multiple sections
addressing everything from jurisdiction of the
courts, reporting of abuse, immunity, investigation,
authorization of emergency medical treatment,
guardian ad litem, and compliance to name a few
that tend to come up often in discussion.
In 1988 Idaho Governor Andrus, by executive
order, established the Governor’s Task Force
on Children at Risk. After a review of research
available at that time, they published 14 findings
and recommendations that have mostly been
completed. Since their inception, the task force
has continued to make recommendations to the
Governor’s office on issues pertaining to Idaho’s
children.
Adult protective services respond to reports
concerning a vulnerable adult 18+ concerning
abuse, neglect by others or self-neglect, and
financial exploitation. The Adult Abuse, Neglect and
Exploitation Act falls under Title 39 in Health and
Safety and takes up Chapter 53. It was initiated in
1982 and has gone through several amendments
with the most recent in 2019. It is the intent of this
act to authorize the fewest possible restrictions
on the exercise of personal freedom and religious
beliefs consistent with a vulnerable adult’s need
for services and to make sure not to impede the
vulnerable adult’s ability to protect themselves.
Understanding the Reporting Process
It lands on the shoulders of Child Protective
Services (CPS) to investigate a complaint of child
maltreatment. People who file complaints can
remain anonymous and their information is not
disclosed to the family. Information needs to include
the child and family address, current location of
the child and whether it is felt there is immediate
danger, a description of the concern, and names of
other people who may have information. There is no
burden of proof required for the reporter, or in this
case the healthcare provider, as it is the role of the
Idaho Department of Health and Welfare (IDHW)
or law enforcement to determine if there’s enough
information to respond. If emergent, it becomes
the jurisdiction of local law enforcement as it would
for reporting any crime. Child and Family Services
can also have a role and it is limited to what may
be happening in the family home. If a child is the
victim of maltreatment by an individual not living
in the home, such as a neighbor, family friend, or
relative, the report is forwarded to law enforcement.
However, if there are concerns that the child’s
parents are unwilling or unable to protect the child
from further harm, Child and Family Services may
proceed with a safety assessment.
Adult Protective Services (APS) is responsible
for investigating allegations of abuse, neglect
and exploitation against vulnerable, disabled and
senior populations. Competent adults retain the
right to refuse services and an adult is presumed
competent unless deemed otherwise by a court of
law. APS works with agencies within the community
to help eliminate or reduce the risk in an effort to
protect. Idaho law provides protection from civil
and criminal prosecution for persons who report in
good faith to APS. When reporting it should be done
immediately. Information required is the alleged
victim’s name and location, any physical, mental or
behavioral indications that the person is considered
a vulnerable adult, names of other individuals with
information about the situation, and your name and
contact information. You can remain anonymous,
but it does make follow through on these reports
extremely difficult to investigate.
Rights
Let’s discuss rights. A child’s rights follow the
statute pretty closely. A child has the right to the
care of parents, relatives or a guardian unless
otherwise ordered by the court, and the right to
physical food, shelter, clothing and education to
meet basic needs. They have the right to protection
and freedom from harm, harassment, danger,
injury, and neglect. They have the right to emotional
security and a safe and stable home environment.
How about the family? They align with
constitutional rights. They have the right to remain
silent. They also have the right to refuse entry to
their home or premises if there is no warrant. They
have the right to consult an attorney and have that
attorney present if they are being questioned. They
can refuse to have their minor children questioned

May, June, July 2022 RN Idaho • Page 19
FEATURE
in their home or on their property if there is no warrant to examine the child. If
they have waived these rights during this process, they can inform the IDHW
immediately of their desire to exercise them. If a child is removed there are
further rights that involve notice of court dates, visitation, being informed of
their child’s health and development, authorizing medical care, and to receive
help with resolving issues that brought the child into care (Idaho Department of
Health and Welfare, 2005).
Solution
As difficult as this topic can be, it is far clearer when looking at it from a
legal standpoint. The Federal Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act
(CAPTA) requires each state to have provisions or procedures for requiring
certain individuals to report known or suspected instances of child abuse and
neglect. The Idaho Child Protection Act, Section 16-1605 (2018), “any physician,
resident on a hospital staff, intern, nurse, coroner, school teacher, day care
personnel, social worker, or other person having reason to believe that a child
under the age of eighteen (18) years has been abused, abandoned or neglected
or who observes the child being subjected to conditions or circumstances
that would reasonably result in abuse, abandonment or neglect shall report
or cause to be reported within twenty-four (24) hours such conditions or
circumstances to the proper law enforcement agency or the department.”
There is mandatory reporting for adults and elders associated with the
Adult Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation Act, Section 39-5303 (2019), with a
slightly smaller list of required reporters. This section lists that “any physician,
nurse, employee of a public or private health facility, or a state-licensed or
certified residential facility serving vulnerable adults, medical examiner, dentist,
osteopath, optometrist, chiropractor, podiatrist, social worker, police officer,
pharmacist, physical therapist, or home care worker who has reasonable cause
to believe that a vulnerable adult is being or has been abused, neglected or
exploited shall immediately report such information to the commission.”
That’s it. This should make it easier to understand your role in caring for
patients, and what you are legally required to do. It does not remove the things
that make it difficult or the “what ifs”, but it does give you legal standing for
making your decision.
Joining Your Professional Organization
“The rising tide raises all ships…” Engaging with your professional organization
has many benefits for both you and the profession as a whole. No one is expected to join
every organization but choose the one that best meets your professional needs and join
it. Membership is important and it sustains the organizations which in turn benefits every
professional nurse and helps promote and benefit the profession as a whole.
Joining is easy! It can be accomplished on the organization website. Visit the website
HOME PAGE of the association you want to support and follow the instructions how to join. All of
the nursing organizations listed below participate in the Idaho Center for Nursing.
Resources for Reporting and Contact Numbers
• Report child abuse in Idaho 24/7 by utilizing the following contact
information: Call 2-1-1 and state your intention to report abuse or call
1-855-552-KIDS (855-552-5437) or contact local law enforcement.
• If you are concerned about a vulnerable adult or elder abuse, report it to
the local Area Agency on Aging or call 1-877-471-2777 (Idaho Commission
on Aging). If the situation is very serious, threatening, or dangerous, call
911 or the local police for immediate help. You can also call 2-1-1, the
Idaho CareLine.
• To report Nursing Home Abuse or long-term care abuse call 208-334-
6626 (Facility Standards Resources). The Idaho Commission on Aging
provides this secure online system for mandated reporters and financial
institutions to report suspicions of abuse, neglect, self-neglect, and
exploitation of vulnerable adults age 18 years and older. Available 24
hours a day, seven days a week.
Conclusion
Healthcare providers in Idaho, including nurses and nurse practitioners,
are mandatory reporters. This includes child abuse as well as vulnerable adult
abuse, abandonment or neglect. There is no gray area here. Failure to report is
a misdemeanor and punishable. Understanding the process, the background,
the rights of the child, vulnerable adult, and family, and being aware of what is
needed to report, should make the decision less confusing.
References
Adult Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation Act, Idaho Section 39-5303 (2019).
https://legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/idstat/title39/t39ch53/sect39-
5303/#:~:text=(1)%20Any%20physician%2C%20nurse,or%20home%20care%20
worker%20who
Child Protective Act, Idaho Section 16-1605 (2018). https://legislature.idaho.gov/
statutesrules/idstat/title16/t16ch16/sect16-1605/#:~:text=(1)%20Any%20
physician%2C%20resident,being%20subjected%20to%20conditions%20or
Child Welfare Information Gateway. (2019). Mandatory reporters of child abuse and
neglect. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services,
Children’s Bureau. https://www.childwelfare.gov/pubPDFs/manda.pdf
Child Welfare League of America. (2019). Idaho’s Children at a Glance. https://www.
cwla.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Idaho-2019.pdf
Idaho Statutes, Idaho Section 18-1501 (2005). https://legislature.idaho.gov/
statutesrules/idstat/Title18/T18CH15/SECT18-1501/
Idaho Statues, Idaho Section 18-1505 (2016). https://legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/
idstat/Title18/T18CH15/SECT18-1505/
Idaho Department of Health & Welfare. (2005). A parent’s guide to child protective
services. https://legislature.idaho.gov/wp-content/uploads/sessioninfo/2016/
interim/161128_fcsc_02c_ParentGuideCPS.pdf
Idaho Department of Health & Welfare. (2022). Report neglect, abuse, and
abandonment: Resources, forms, FAQs, and more. Retrieved from: https://
healthandwelfare.idaho.gov/services-programs/children-families/child-and-familyservices-and-foster-care/reporting-neglect
Idaho Commission on Aging (2022). Protect vulnerable adults from abuse, neglect and
exploitation. https://aging.idaho.gov/stay-safe/adult-protection/
Fact Sheet. (2021). https://caseyfamilypro-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/media/idaho-factsheet-2021.pdf
World Health Organization [WHO]. (2020). Child maltreatment: Key facts. https://www.
who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/child-maltreatment
RNs:
idahonurses.nursingnetwork.com/
Nurse Practitioners:
npidaho.enpnetwork.com/
CRNAs:
idahoana.org/
Nurse Leaders of Idaho:
nurseleadersidaho.nursingnetwork.com/

Page 20 • RN Idaho May, June, July 2022
FEATURE
SPIRIT. MIND. BODY.
Faith Community Nurses tenderly care for them all
By Emily Woodham
Staff Writer
Republished with permission from Idaho Catholic Register, February 11-24, 2022
When the COVID pandemic hit Idaho, parish priests in many parts of the state
had at their disposal a highly qualified and willing army of professionals to help
parishes distribute information to keep parishioners safe and healthy.
They helped acquire hand sanitizer, thermometers and masks, sometimes not
easy to get during the height of the pandemic. They volunteered extra hours to
ensure that safety protocols were followed. When vaccinations became available,
they volunteered for vaccination clinics at parishes.
They are Faith Community Nurses (FCN) who, even before the pandemic,
established a relationship of trust within the parish as parishioners sought their
advice.
“To be a Faith Community Nurse is definitely a calling from the Holy Spirit,” said
Cari Moodie, coordinator of Faith Community Nurses for Saint Alphonsus Health
System in Boise and a parishioner at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist. “It
just becomes heavy on your heart that you want to serve.”
It’s easy to spot the work of a Faith Community Nurse in a parish: a bulletin
notice with the latest news in health and wellness, monthly blood pressure checks
after Mass or weekly exercise classes.
For Catholics, they may be known simply as “parish nurses,” but not just any
nurse or medical professional qualifies to have the title of Faith Community Nurse.
Faith Community Nurses participate in a program of education, collaboration,
joint liability insurance and other support services to support their ministry in Ada
and Canyon counties.
“What makes faith community nursing different than any other specialty of nursing
is that we intentionally care for the spirit, as well as the mind and body,” Moodie said.
But caring for the spirit can be difficult to one who is hungry or ill. “If you don’t have
enough food or if you’re in pain or you’re sick, it’s hard to think about the spiritual
realm because you don’t have the hierarchy of needs being met. And so we can help
with all of that,” she said.
Faith community nursing began as “parish nursing” in the 1980s, when it was
started by a Lutheran pastor and professor in Illinois. However, as parish nursing
became more popular in other faiths, it became known as “faith community nursing.”
Faith Community Nurses have their own established standards adopted under
the umbrella of a health ministry association. “We are an actual sub-specialty of
nursing,” Moodie said.
Faith Community Nurses must have, at minimum, a bachelor’s degree, be
licensed and complete a course of study at Saint Alphonsus. After completing the
course, the nurses become volunteers of Saint Alphonsus, acquire liability insurance
and pursue opportunities to collaborate with other nurses. More than 100 nurses are
a part of the program. They log about 5,000 hours each year, Moodie said.
Monique Kilroy at Holy Apostles in Meridian is the only paid parish FCN
coordinator in the Diocese. She oversees health education, ministries and activities
for the parish of 12,000 with 22 parish nurse volunteers.
The nurses work with other volunteers at the parish to provide meals, home
visits and prayer to families who are welcoming babies, caring for sick loved ones
or helping them prepare for death.
Kilroy married after getting her nursing degree from the University of Portland.
When she had children, she cut back on her nursing to focus on them. She and
her family moved to Boise when her children were older, and she felt it was time to
do more nursing again.
Monique Kilroy, coordinator of Faith Community Nurses for Holy Apostles
in Meridian, takes the blood pressure of parishioner, Beth Cook. Faith
Community Nurses in Ada and Canyon counties log more than 5,000
volunteer hours each year with Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center.
(Photo courtesy Holy Apostles Catholic Community)
Connie Mortensen, who started the parish nursing
program at Holy Apostles 18 years ago, invited Kilroy in
2011 to speak with her and the pastor at the time, Father
Len MacMillan, about parish nursing. “Then she called
me and said I got the job. I didn’t even realize it was an
interview!” “I got into parish nursing because it brings
together body, mind and spirit,” Kilroy said. “They’re all
interrelated.”
The to-do list for parish nurses at a parish as large as
Holy Apostles is extensive. During the COVID pandemic,
their volunteer hours skyrocketed.
In 2020 and 2021, they logged more than 2,200 hours. Cari Moodie
They did temperature and wellness checks at all Masses,
helped parishioners navigate questions about the virus, facilitated vaccination
clinics and provided education to support mental, physical and spiritual health.
Kilroy submits the volunteer hours of parish nurses to Moodie at Saint Alphonsus.
Moodie then submits the hours to acquire grant money for Holy Apostles.
With the grant money, Kilroy has been able to purchase blood pressure cuffs,
thermometers, First Aid supplies and AEDs (automated external defibrillators) for
the parish.
May is Better Speech
and Hearing Month!
Every year in Idaho –
· An estimated 70 babies are born with
some degree of hearing loss.
· About 1 in every 10 babies who do not
pass the newborn hearing screen are
found to have a hearing loss.
Babies can’t tell us they can’t hear, but
hearing problems can be detected in
the first months of life.
The reason to screen is to intervene!
For more information, please call
Idaho Sound Beginnings at (208) 334-0829 or
at www.IdahoSoundBeginnings.dhw.idaho.gov

May, June, July 2022 RN Idaho • Page 21
FEATURE
parish nurse. However, after exploring the idea with
her pastor at the time, Monsignor Joe daSilva, she
decided to bring the program to her parish.
Diane Rutherford and Anne Sharabani
Kilroy and her team provide classes on First Aid,
CPR/AEDs and emergency preparedness for staff and
other parish volunteers. They also coordinate home,
hospital and nursing facility visits by the clergy and 61
visitor volunteers. Each quarter, they organize a healing
and anointing Mass. The masses are usually attended
by 400 to 500, Kilroy said.
In the year 2000, Taylor was able to bring the
program under the Saint Alphonsus umbrella by
collaborating with Sister Mary Alice Holy Cross, who
at that time was coordinator of volunteering for Saint
Alphonsus. When Taylor retired in 2007 from Boise
State, after 32 years of teaching, she dedicated even
more of her time to faith community nursing.
During the last 25 years, Risen Christ has had other
coordinators, but Taylor recently became coordinator
again. She is also a faith community nursing instructor
for Saint Alphonsus.
Gloria Pettinger, seated, is one of many
parishioners who is visited by Faith Community
Nurse Linda Bieker-Arkoosh. Bieker-Arkoosh is
one of the FCN coordinators for St. Mary’s Parish
in Boise (ICR photo/Emily Woodham)
Monique Kilroy
Because most chaplains in hospitals and facilities
are not Catholic, Kilroy has pamphlets printed in
English and Spanish to explain anointing and the
importance of the sacraments to Catholics.
When a parishioner is hospitalized or moved to
another facility, the pamphlets are given to chaplains
and non-Catholic family members so that they can
understand why it is important to allow visits by a
priest. Mortensen said volunteers and staff at the
parish have drawn closer together through some
very difficult times. “Instead of letting fear rule our
actions, our parish nurses were able to find many
opportunities to teach, counsel, empower others, and
offer compassion and hope while dealing with the
pandemic experience,” she said. “The Holy Spirit was
ever present, and will continue to guide us through any
future difficulties. What was initially a barrier became
an opportunity to grow spiritually in our mission of
healing and outreach to others,” Monique Kilroy sa
Pat Taylor
“When people come
near the end of their
lives or if they have had
some kind of trauma,
all of a sudden they
are seeking more of a
relationship with God.”
Pat Taylor
In 1996, Pat Taylor and her friend, JoAnn Vahey,
brought faith community nursing to her parish, Risen
Christ Catholic Community in Boise. At the time,
she was teaching nursing at Boise State University
and didn’t feel she had the time to volunteer as a
Faith Community Nurses for Holy Apostles
Catholic Community in Meridian logged more
than 2200 volunteer hours for their parish during
2020 and 2021. (Photo courtesy Holy Apostles Parish)
Linda
Bieker-Arkoosh
“When people come near the
end of their lives or if they have
had some kind of trauma, all of
a sudden they are seeking
more of a relationship with
God,” Taylor said. “Parish
nursing is that beauty of taking
care and listening, approaching
people holistically: body, mind
and spirit.”
Linda Bieker-Arkoosh is a
Faith Nursing Coordinator for
St. Mary’s Parish in Boise.
When her youngest child
was in elementary school in 2005, Bieker-Arkoosh
wanted to volunteer as a school nurse. Because the
school didn’t need nurses, they directed her to the
faith community nursing program at Saint Alphonsus.
Now Bieker-Arkoosh coordinates faith community
nursing at the largely bilingual parish with two other
FCNs, Christine Running and Teresa Sanchez-
LaRosa. Running coordinates in-house education
while Sanchez-LaRosa coordinates for the Hispanic
parishioners. Bieker-Arkoosh coordinates with Saint
Alphonsus and does community outreach, which
includes hospital and facility visits.
“I like the relationships that I build with people. I
like helping people maintain their spiritual connection
to their church when they physically can’t be there,”
Bieker-Arkoosh said.
An important aspect of her work, she said, is to
advocate for others. “The elderly in our community
need advocates to help them whether they are at
doctor appointments or in facilities,” she said. FCNs
are able to ensure that essential needs are met:
medications, food and physical assistance, she
said.
“A big thing is helping people understand what
the doctor is telling them to do,” Bieker-Arkoosh
said. She also helps make sure that any plans for
healthcare or well-being are workable with a patient’s
time and resources.
“Linda is a treasure,” said Gloria Pettinger, a
parishioner of St. Mary’s. Bieker-Arkoosh visits
Pettinger regularly at her assisted living facility.
“If you’re in assisted living or a nursing home, you
especially need an outside advocate to help you. She
is a friend, and I trust her,” Pettinger said.
Even though she is blessed with supportive family
members, being able to go to Bieker-Arkoosh when
she needs to make decisions about her medical care
has been an added comfort to her, she said.
In Idaho’s Panhandle, Diane Rutherford has been
involved with faith community nursing for more than
20 years, even though she joined St. Pius X Parish in
Coeur d’Alene in just October of last year. Soon after
joining the parish, Father Len MacMillan, the parish
pastor, asked her and Anne Sharabani to start a
health ministry.
“Having the support of the pastor of a parish is so
important for parish nursing,” Rutherford said.
Rutherford was a hospice nurse before becoming
involved with faith community nursing. “It’s a
wonderful way to serve your fellow man. There are
lots of wonderful ministries in a parish, but this one
seems to serve all aspects of the human being,” she
said.
Loving God is connected to all that parish nurses
do, she said.
Currently, the program at St. Pius X is considered
a “health and wellness ministry,” Rutherford said,
because many of their volunteers are retired and no
longer licensed.
Saint Alphonsus will offer its instruction for faith
community nursing in April. The cost to those who
want to take the course is $350, but scholarships
are available to provide up to $300 of the expense.
Many times, parishes will provide the remaining $50,
if nurses are planning on volunteering at the parish,
Moodie said.
To find out more information about faith
community nursing, particularly the program offered
through Saint Alphonsos Regional Medical Center,
contact Moodie at Cari.Moodie@stalphonsus.org or
208-367-6494.

Page 22 • RN Idaho May, June, July 2022
RN Idaho is pleased to honor Registered Nurses and Licensed Practical Nurses, who served the profession and are now deceased. The names are also
submitted annually for inclusion in the Idaho section of the nursing memorial of the American Nurses Association. A nursing school graduation photograph is
included when available. Inclusion dates are 10 December 2021 through 11 March 2022.
Corn, Betty Lou, 1932-2022,
Boise & Meridian. She
graduated from Boise High
School in 1950. Her aunt
suggested she apply to be a
page at the Idaho State
Legislature, so she did and
became the first female page in
Idaho. Afterward, she graduated from the St. Luke’s
Hospital School of Nursing in 1954. She was very
close with her classmates and continued to meet
with them twice a year until the virus kept them from
getting together in 2020. Betty worked as an RN at
St. Luke’s, Saint Alphonsus and she worked at the
VA Hospital for seven years. A VA physician told her
that nurses were needed in the Idaho Air National
Guard, so she applied and became the first female to
join in Idaho. She completed officer’s training in
Montgomery, Alabama and flight nurse training in
San Antonio, Texas. During her service she rose to
the rank of Captain, before she retired from nursing.
Covert, Sandra, 1936-2022,
Iona and Idaho Falls. After
graduating from Idaho Falls High
School she obtained a BSN from
Idaho State University. She
worked as a RN in the Iona area
throughout her career.
Denton, Murline K., 1935-
2021, Twin Falls. She was born
in Hazelton, Idaho. After high
school she became an LPN, and
she worked as a nurse
throughout her life. Most of her
years were spent in the office of
Dr. Victor Telford in Twin Falls.
Gray, Ruby Allene, 1925-2022,
Nampa. She worked as a LPN
at the Nampa State School and
Hospital until she was 72 years
old.
Haight, Jolyn Simmons.
(1957-2022), Menan, Idaho.
She attended Rigby Schools
graduating from Rigby High
School and later achieved a
Licensed Practical Nurse
Certificate at Eastern Idaho
Vocational Technical School, an
Associate of Science in Nursing from Ricks College,
and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Idaho
State University. She was a volunteer EMT, as well as
a RN for 40 years in infusion therapy, occupational
medicine, operating room and recovery. She loved
caring for people and would often get calls from
neighbors and friends looking for nursing advice. Her
nurturing nature made her beloved by her
community.
Hernandez, Karen Hatton, 1958-
2022, Rigby. After graduation from
Bonneville High School she graduated
from the Eastern Idaho Vocational
Technical School with an associate
degree. She was a nurse at Eastern
Idaho Regional Medical Center.
Killpack, Joyce, 1931-2022,
Shelley & Blackfoot. (COVID-19
related). She graduated from the LPN
education program at the Bingham
Memorial Hospital in Blackfoot and
worked for many years as a LPN at the
Blackfoot Medical Clinic.
Marshall. Marjorie Louise, 1937-
2022, Jerome. Louise graduated
from CSI when the program first
began. She was an active RN in the
Magic Valley for 30 years. She was an
active member of the Idaho Nurses
Association and held many offices
both at the state level and in the Magic
Valley district. She was a regular attendee at the annual
INA convention and served many years on the convention
planning committee.
McDaniel, Helen. (1931-2022), Ellis,
ID. She graduated from Blackfoot
High School in 1949 and enrolled in
the first nursing class at Rick’s College
in Rexburg, Idaho. After studying and
training for 2 1/2 years, she graduated
as a Registered Nurse in September
1952.
McLaughlin, Charlotte, 1941-2022,
Caldwell. After graduation from high
school in 1959, she attended the St.
Joseph’s Hospital School of Nursing
connected with Creighton University in
Omaha, Nebraska, graduating in 1962.
She married Dr. Roy McLaughlin, who
became a pathologist in Caldwell in
1971. She was an RN at Mercy Medical Center in Nampa
for 20+ years. She worked in all areas and ended her
career as a Discharge Planner.
Paulus, Valencia Lunn Voth, 1956-2022, Buhl
and Twin Falls. She worked as a RN for 38 years,
retiring in October 2020, and completed medical
mission trips to Haiti and volunteered as a RN with
Summit ministries in Colorado.
Powell, Barbara Jean, 1935-
2022, Pocatello. She completed
the LPN program at the St. Luke’s
Hospital School of Practical Nursing.
She worked for 30 years at Bannock
Memorial Hospital in Pocatello in
pediatrics, nursery and NICU.
Peterson, Joann Gay, (1955-
2021), Twin Falls. Joann
graduated from nursing school
at CSI in Twin Falls, Idaho,
finishing with a degree in
nursing. She worked as a very
skilled and knowledgeable
registered nurse who loved her
job caring for others for almost 40 years in many
different places.
Rogers, Pamela Ann
Patterson, 1950-2022, Arco.
Pamela worked as a LPN at the
Lost River Medical Center in
Arco.
Roth, Melinda, 1950-2022,
St. Charles. Graduated from
Rick’s College School of
Nursing, and has a long career
as a nurse and educator.
Shelp, Ione Anna, 1928-
2022, Caldwell. She was born
in Iowa and after high school
graduation in 1945 she
graduated from the Evanston
Hospital School of Nursing
affiliated with Northwestern
University in 1949. She went on
to receive a certificate in public health in 1951,
and she completed a BSN from the University
of Colorado in 1955. She came to Idaho in
1955 to work in a USDA project to evaluate the
health of migrant farm workers. Following this
assignment, she worked on a special study of
possible polio cases following the live virus
vaccine distributions. She was named to be
the acting Director of Public Health Nursing for
the Idaho Department of Health following the
death of Florence Whipple, and remained in
that role until 1957. She married and had two
children, so she took a break until 1969, when
she became the school nurse for the Notus
School District. She arranged CPR and First
Aid Classes for the community and staff. She
also worked on the sex education and AIDS
education curriculum committees for all grade
levels. After retirement, she volunteered at the
West Valley Medical Center and was the
President of the WVMC Hospital Auxiliary. She
was a long time member of the Idaho Nurses
Association and was well known and
respected, making significant contributions to
the health of many Idahoans over many years.

May, June, July 2022 RN Idaho • Page 23
Sigman, Ada Belle, 1931-2022, Emmett. Ada
attended nursing school in the early 1970s and worked
as a Licensed Practical Nurse at Mercy Hospital in
Nampa and Walter Knox Memorial Hospital in Emmett.
She also worked part time at Emmett Convalescence
Center while taking care of her father until his death in
1986. She retired soon after.
Silbester, Leslie Graham, 1962-2022, Twin Falls.
She graduated from high school in Manti, Utah, and
then went on to get a BSN from Utah State University.
She blessed the lives of many while she worked as a
nurse. She continued her education and earned a
Master’s Degree in Speech Pathology from Idaho
State University in 1993. She worked for the school
district in Jackpot, Nevada, and St. Luke’s Elks
Rehab. She is credited with having solved the speech problems of many
nieces and nephews, as well as her clients and patients.
Tague, Bonnie Dee, 1940-2022, Nampa. At the
age of 50 she enrolled in nursing school and
earned her LPN license. She used those nursing
skills along with her love of serving to care for
many people throughout the years.
Uldrich, Gloria E., 1932-2021, Idaho Falls.
After graduating from Hot Spring High School in
1950, received her nursing certificate from the
Little Rock Veterans Administration Hospital, and
her Bachelor of Science in Nursing Education from
Baylor University. She served in the US Army
Reserve, the 916th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital,
and as a Captain the US Army Nurses Corps. In
1964 she moved to Idaho Falls. She was a RN at Eastern Idaho
Regional Medical Center until her retirement.
Wise, Inez Darlene, (1935-2022), Boise,
Pocatello and Jerome. After graduation from
High School in Boise, she graduated from the
Saint Alphonsus Hospital School of Nursing in
1954. She worked as a RN for 56 years.
Young, Helen Marie, (1934-2022), Pocatello.
She grew up in Pocatello and became a RN. She
worked for many years in the OB department at
Bannock Memorial Hospital. She also served as a
public health nurse.
NOTES AND NEWS
National Nurses Day and Nurses Month in May – National Nurses Day
for the year 2022 is celebrated/ observed on Friday, May 6th. The theme for
Nurses Month is YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE. For information about Nurses
Month Activities visit About Nurses Month - ANA Enterprise - Nurses Month
2022
LPN license renewal begins in May and a component of license renewal
is the documentation of continues competency. One method of that is
obtaining 15 hours of continuing education, which is available at: icn - CE
Catalog (ce21.com). This program will meet 100% of LPN CE needs.
Nurse Practitioners in Idaho will celebrate 50 years of legal
recognition in 2022. In 1972 Idaho became the first state in the U.S. to
recognize NP in statute and to begin issuing licenses to practice. Until 1998,
regulation of NPs in Idaho was jointly done by the Boards of Nursing and
Medicine. Beginning in 1998 an APRN advisory committee was established,
and regulation was solely with the Board of Nursing. In 2004 all requirement
for supervised practice were removed from the Nurse Practice Act and
since then Idaho has had full practice authority for all APRNs. In 2022, the
Idaho Legislature voted to remove language from the Nurse Practice Act that
required the APRN advisory committee, which was support by the nursing
associations. See the article about the Stanley Clinic and Marie Osborn in this
edition.
LPN state based membership in ANA-Idaho continues to grow. In
July 2021 the ANA-Idaho board of directors approved a 2-year pilot project
for LPN membership because the official LPN association in Idaho ceased to
exist in the early 1990s. Other state ANA constituent associations also have
taken similar steps to include LPNs. Currently ANAI has 53 LPN members.
Idaho Nursing Flash-- This is sent by email every Tuesday to Idaho
nurses. It contains links to the most read nursing articles nationally as well as
Idaho, and includes regional and state information that is pertinent to Idaho
nurses. The email comes from the ANA-Idaho in the same manner that RN
IDAHO is emailed. Nurses are asked to review their junk or spam mail folders
if they are not receiving this weekly update. Set the link to your recognized
and safe emails to receive the regular weekly mailing without it going to trash
or junk folders. For the 6 months October 2021 through March 2022 there
were 348,160 mailings. The open rate ranged between 42% and 78%, thus
the Nursing Flash is being read by a large number of nurses.
RN IDAHO Readership Data—Each quarter (February, May, August,
November) over 34,500 RNs, LPNs, healthcare administrators and policy
makers receive the newsletter. Reader metrics show that 78.8% open the
email and read RN IDAHO. This exceeds the national average of 22% for
industry newsletters. The Idaho Center for Nursing has a publication contract
for a quarterly 16 page paper, but for the past 5 quarters it has consistently
published at 24 pages. The paper will move to an expanded interface format
and now be accessible on the major search engines, such as Google, Bing,
MSN, Yahoo, and others because of the interface technology. It continues to
have a contract with EBSCO and is indexed on the EBSCO library services.
RN IDAHO published articles are being reprinted in
other state newsletters. One measure of a quality
publication is when other publications request permission to
reprint original work. In 2021, four papers that were
published in RN Idaho were re-printed. They are: (1)
“Conceptional Model for Community based Participatory
Research” - New Mexico June 2021; (2) “Don’t forget to
vaccinate, guidance for nurses” - Utah April 2021; (3) “Practice tips for the
independent nurse practitioner” - Arizona April 2021; and (4) reprinted in 6
papers, “Telehealth and Social Media Usage since COVID” - New Hampshire
June 2021, New Mexico June 2021, New York April 2021, Utah April 2021,
Virginia May 2021, and West Virginia April 2021.
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