volume 11 - number 2 spring 2002 postpolio syndrome · 2013-02-04 · volume 11 - number 2 spring...

VOLUME 11 - NUMBER 2 SPRING 2002

NursesNurturing

Nurses

continued on page 19

he post war years of the 1940sand 50s brought tremendousgrowth and prosperity to theUnited States. It also brought

the polio epidemics that eventually ter-minated in 1955. Of the 1.4 million poliosurvivors, it is estimated that 640,000experienced some paralysis of the skele-tal or bulbar-controlled muscles.1 Theirdetermination to successfully overcomeand adapt to this devastating illness waslegion. Now, 45-50 years later, they areonce again being challenged, this time bypostpolio syndrome (PPS).

The polio of the 40s and 50s wascaused by an enterovirus contracted bythe ingestion of contaminated water orfood. Infection occurred when contami-nated hands touched the mouth. The vastmajority of people infected by the virushad no symptoms or experienced self-limiting illness. Paralytic polio occurredwhen the virus entered the bloodstreamand attacked the central nervous system.Ninety to 95% of the spinal cord’s anteri-or horn cells had to become infected tocause the accompanying paralysis.

PPS is not a relapse of the polio virus.Rather, it reflects ongoing deterioration ofmotor neurons that survived the viralattack and have been over compensatingever since by doing the work of the deadcells. The accepted definition of PPS is,“The development of new muscle weak-

Rows of Iron Lungs on a Polio Ward of the 1940sphoto courtesy of MetroHealth Medical Center

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PostpolioSyndrome

ness, atrophy, and prominentmid-day muscle fatigue, unrelat-ed to any known cause, thatdevelops 25-30 years after para-lytic poliomyelitis.”2

Diagnosing PPS. Four con-ditions must be met to diagnosePPS. The patient must have ahistory of paralytic polio, neuro-logical recovery from paralysis,a stable period of at least 10years, and new symptoms thatcan be traced back to the originalpolio event. The process cantake years. Common signs andsymptoms of PPS include: newweakness in previously affectedor unaffected muscles, muscleand joint pain, fatigue, dyspnea,dysphagia, and cold intolerance.

Fatigue with minimal exercise isthe most common symptomexperienced by 60 to 90% ofPPS patients. An importantpoint to keep in mind is that thediagnosis can be missed orignored as both health careproviders and patients dismissthe symptoms as part of theaging process.

Management of PPS. CPAP orBiPAP may help PPS patientswith respiratory compromise.Patients who complain of morn-ing headache and sleep distur-bances may be experiencingincreases in pCO2 levels.Respiratory muscles becomeweak over time leading to chron-

NewsNurses

NurturingNurses

Academy ofMedical-Surgical Nurses


The officalNewsletter of the

Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses www.medsurgnurse.org

2

hat you are reading at this moment intime is the new and improved and veryexciting AMSN News. The AMSN Boardof Directors and Managing Editor of

AMSN News, Sue Stott, took along, hard look at the quality ofthe newsletter and decided that itwas time to upgrade. Here aresome of our ideas. You’ll noticesome of the changes in this issue;others are still in the works. Wealso would like your feedback andany other ideas you might have sothat we can make this the bestnewsletter for you.

Standard FeaturesStandard features to the newsletter will include a

section entitled, Chapter News, so we can learn aboutwhat our chapters are doing. So, the first request is tothe chapter members – please write to the newsletterand let us know what is happening in your chapter. Itreally is a great help to the other chapters to read aboutwhat you are doing and how you are doing it. Also, welove pictures! Please send us photographs of yourchapter activities. Another feature is the LegislativeUpdate. Here we will identify local and national itemsof interest, such as the Nurse Reinvestment Act or themandatory overtime rulings. If there is something hap-pening in your state that would be of interest to ourmembers, please let us know about it. The newsletterwill continue to publish summaries of the board ofdirectors Business Meetings so you can read aboutpresent and future plans for AMSN. We’ll also publishhighlights from the various meetings that are of impor-tance to our readers, such as the highlights from NIWI(Nurse in Washington Internship) or the ANA Houseof Delegates meeting. We will also continue to publishAMSN approved Position Statements. In progress, isa position paper on Use of Restraints and EthicalIssues at the End-of-Life. Do you have a suggestion fora position paper? Tell us!

New FeaturesExciting new features that we have decided to add

include Welcome to New Members. We’ll publish thenames of our new members and the region in whichthey live. We’ll also identify Dates to Remember soyou can plan your calendar. The chairs of theCommittees and Special Interest Groups will write asummary of their activities so you will be able to readabout the various projects that are in the works. We’rehoping that reading about the interesting and worth-while committee and SIG activities, you will decide tovolunteer your time to be a member of one of these

President’s Message A Nurse’s StoryThis article is the first in a series of stories submitted byAMSN members at the 10th Annual Convention inKansas City, Missouri. If you would like to submit yourNurse’s Story for publication in a future issue of AMSNNews, please E-mail it to [email protected] (preferred) ormail it to AMSN, East Holly Box 56, Pitman, NJ 08071,Attn: AMSN News.

Six months before nursing school graduation, Ieagerly began working as a student nurse. I happilywent from room to room meeting my patients, takingvital signs, and tending to their comfort. What bliss – Iwas making my dream come true! I was helping tomake a hospital stay better.

One particular patient was an 83-year-old womanwho had a broken femur set. We had great conversa-tions during her morning care. While assisting Mrs. W.to a wheelchair that was to transport her to x-raybefore her discharge, she passed out. The RN wascalled and several staff members got her back in bed.A full code was called. After 30 minutes, Mrs. W. waspronounced dead. The maelstrom was over. After themass exodus of the code team, I looked around at theincredible mess that was everywhere. While cleaningthe room, I found the upper plate of Mrs. W.’s dentureson the floor and the lower plate in her bed. As I heldthe dentures that I had so carefully brushed earlier thatday, I began to cry. My RN hugged me. Is this why Iwent into nursing? The sadness, the tears? What aboutmy joy of helping people? I have learned that joy andsadness go hand-in-hand in our profession. I hope Ihelped make Mrs. W.’s last day on earth better.

Three years later, I am still here. What a wonder-ful profession we are in! Through the joy and tears, wedo make a difference in people’s lives. Everyday, weare in the position to learn, to teach, to care, and tohelp make ourselves and the world a better place.

Kathryn Davies, BSN, RNNew Palestine, IN


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2002Corporate Members

Centra HealthDale Medical Products

Hill-RomNursefinders

Nursing Spectrum MagazineRoss Products Division,Abbott Laboratories

University of Virginia Medical CenterValley Health System

Nurses Nurturing Nurses Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses

3

he Nurse in WashingtonInternship (NIWI) falls inthe category of “a once ina lifetime experience.”

Presented by the National Federationof Specialty Nursing Organizations(NFSNO) and endorsed by theAmerican Nurses Association(ANA), it is held annually in March.This is the tenth year of the program,which for the past few years, hasbeen coordinated by Kathleen Smith,BSN, RN, CNN.

Ninety-three nurses from aroundthe United States, representing anarray of specialty nursing organiza-tions, participated in the program.Serving as chairperson of LegislativePolicies and Issues Committee forthe Academy of Medical-SurgicalNurses (AMSN), I was selected bythe AMSN Board of Directors toattend this year. The multiplicity ofpersonalities and backgrounds of thenurses added to the diversity and theuniqueness of the NIWI experience.

The first three days of presenta-tions included nurse speakers whoare well known in the politicalarena. Some of these speakersincluded Mary Wakefield, MaryChaffee, Diana Mason, SheilaRussell Roit, Elise Handelman,Donna Dorsey, Sally Phillips, SisterRosemary Donley, and SusanWhittaker. The Round Table Dinnerspeaker was Colleen Conway-Welch, chair of the InternationalNursing Coalition for Mass CasualtyEducation. She spoke on disasterpreparedness, an appropriate topicwith the recent terrorist attacks. Allof the speakers allowed time forquestions from the attendees, andafter the sessions were over, theyspent additional time sharing theirexperiences and answering morequestions.

One of the highlights of the pro-gram was a briefing on “InfluencingHealth Policy: The Division ofNursing in the Department ofHealth and Human Services,”which was presented at the WhiteHouse. Another was Barbara Foley,

who spoke of her experience start-ing Emergency Nurses Care.Collaborating with friend and co-worker Pam Bell, they founded theorganization because they were “ona mission to stop injuries.” It startedout as two volunteer nurses andnow reaches out to 300,000 youthand 150,000 older Americans annu-ally. All of the speakers stated theydidn’t see themselves as “politicalpeople” but felt a need to getinvolved and learned how.

Our fourth day provided anopportunity to visit our stateSenators and Representatives “onthe Hill.” I felt well prepared, whenmyself and six other Pennsylvanianurses visited our Senator’s office tomeet with the legislative assistant. Ithen met with my Representative bymyself. He and his assistant werevery receptive to my information onnursing issues, including the NurseReinvestment Act.

I later learned that some of mynew nurse friends made a lastingimpression on their Senator – theyperformed CPR on a constituent,who had a cardiac arrest upon leav-ing his office, until EMS personnelarrived!

The NIWI experience has taughtme that I have an individual voice,but that it is very important for allnurses to join together to make ournursing voice stronger. Stand upand be noticed! Show society howimportant we are – no matter wherewe are!!

Diane Daddario BSN, RN, BC AMSN Secretary

Chairperson, Legislative Policiesand Issues Committee

TNurse in Washington Internship

AMSN in South Africa

The Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses was represented in Kwa ZuluNatal, South Africa by a gift of tote bags from the 2001 conference. The bagswere donated to these South African nurses to promote international goodwill and global sharing of trans-cultural nursing practices. This group ofForensic Nurse Examiner candidates are part of the International Associationof Forensic Nurses’s mission in education and training to provide skilledforensic clinicians in developing countries. The gift was presented by JamieFerrell, BSN, RN CA/CP-SANE, pictured kneeling, third from the left. Ms.Ferrell presented, “Forensic Nursing/Medical-Surgical Nursing: A SharedCommitment,” at AMSN’ 10th annual convention in October. She will joinus again this year to discuss domestic violence.


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Tuberculosis (TB) is one of theoldest human diseases. Mycobac-terium tuberculosis has been foundin the spinal column from Egyptianmummies dating back to 2400 BC.Around 460 BC, Hippocrates iden-tified phthisis, to waste, as the mostwidespread disease of the times. Inresponse to the common phthisis-related fatalities, he warned his col-leagues against visiting cases in latestages of the disease because theirinevitable deaths might damage thereputation of the attending physi-cian.

TB SanitoriumHermann Brehmer, a Silesian

botany student suffering from TB,was instructed by his doctor to seeka healthier climate. He traveled tothe Himalayan Mountains andreturned home cured of the disease.He attended medical school, and in1854 presented his doctoral disser-tation, “Tuberculosis is a CurableDisease.” He went on to build aninstitution where patients wereexposed to continuous fresh air andwere provided with nutritiousmeals. This setup became the blue-print for the development of thesanatorium.

The term tuberculosis was firstused in 1839. It is derived from theLatin word tubercula, meaningsmall lump, referring to the smallscars seen in tissues of infectedindividuals. In 1882, when TBcaused one in seven deaths, themicrobiologist Robert Koch discov-ered the tubercle bacillus. Anothersignificant step in diagnosing andtreating TB came when WilhelmKonrad von Roentgen discoveredthe radiation that bears his name.Now the progress and severity ofthe disease could be accurately fol-lowed and reviewed. Because

antibiotics were unknown, the onlymeans of controlling the spread ofinfection was to isolate patients inprivate sanitoriums or hospitalslimited to patients with TB. Thesesanitoriums, found throughoutEurope and the United States, pro-vided a dual function—they isolat-ed the sick from the general popu-lation while the enforced rest,

proper diet, and well-regulatedhospital life assisted in the healingprocess. At the turn of the 20th cen-tury, more than 80% of the popula-tion in the U.S. was infected beforeage 20, and TB was the single mostcommon cause of death. In 1884,the first U.S. sanitorium was builtin New York. By 1938 there were

more than 700 TB hospitals in thiscountry with a total of 84,000 beds.

The sanatorium movement wasthe beginning of a public healthmovement featuring communityparticipation, emphasis on healthylifestyle, and ordinances to improvesanitation and slum housing.Voluntary organizations to combatTB formed during the sanitoriumera. The National TuberculosisAssociation, founded in 1904, nowthe American Lung Association, isthe oldest voluntary health organi-zation in the United States.

TB was called the Kings’ Evil inmedieval times because newlycrowned kings of England andFrance were believed to have pow-ers to heal TB with their touch. TBwas responsible for 20% of deaths inLondon in the 1600s; over 30% ofdeaths in Paris in the 1800s; andtoday is a global emergency accord-ing to the World Health Organization(WHO).

TransmissionTB is spread from person to

person through the air. When a per-son with TB exhales, coughs, orsneezes, tiny droplets of fluid con-taining tubercle bacilli are releasedinto the air where it can remainsuspended for several hours. Wheninhaled, the smallest droplets endup in the alveoli. There, in a pro-tective reaction, the body walls offthe TB bacilli into tiny, hard, tissuemasses called tubercles. TheMycobacterium TB may remaindormant in an infected person formonths, years, or a lifetime, andmay not be contagious to others.Among generally healthy persons,infection with TB is highly unlike-ly to become clinically apparent.The lifetime risk of developingclinically evident TB after beinginfected is approximately 10%.However, in specific subpopula-tions, such as infants or personswith immunodeficiency states, theproportion of individuals whodevelop clinical TB is significantlyhigher.

TB Infection vs. TB DiseaseIt’s important to understand

that there is a difference betweenbeing infected with TB and having

Tuberculosis“The Lord shall smite thee with a consump-

tion, and with a fever, and with an inflammation.And they shall pursue thee until thou perish.”

Deuteronomy 28:22


TB lung

Healthy lung


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he Academy of Medical Surgical Nurseswill conduct its annual election of nationaland regional officers by mail ballot thissummer. The Nominating Committee has

issued a call for candidates to serve on the Academy’sBoard of Directors and as Regional Director-Elect.

Successful candidates will assume their respectiveoffices at the conclusion of the business meeting of the11th Annual AMSN Convention in Washington, DC,on Sunday, October 20. All full members of AMSN areeligible to run for an elected office.

Candidates are being sought for these positions:

Treasurer — Two-year term. Serves on the Board ofDirectors.

Northeast Regional Director-Elect — Two-year term,plus two-year term as Regional Director on the Boardof Directors

For the office of Regional Director-Elect, please refer tothe map published above to determine the region inwhich you reside.

Interested candidates must submit the Intent toServe Form (included in this issue of AMSN News)along with a current curriculum vitae and a statementof approximately 350 words indicating their qualifica-tions and goals for the Academy. A photograph shouldalso be included. All materials must be received at thenational office by May 24, 2002, to be considered forinclusion on the ballot. The goals statement and pho-tograph of those individuals who are qualified to runin the election will be published in the Summer issueof AMSN News.

For information about the duties of national offi-cers, please refer to Articles IV and V of the AMSNBylaws.

The Board of Directors meets three times a year,once in the spring and twice during the annual conven-tion. Travel and housing expenses related to Board meet-ings are assumed by AMSN for full Board members.

Serving AMSN at the national or regional level is arewarding experience and an exciting professionalopportunity for medical-surgical nurses. Please con-sider becoming a candidate and help us continue toshape the future of medical-surgical nursing.

Doris Greggs McQuilkin, MA, BSN, RNPresident-Elect

Nominating Committee Chairperson

AMSN Issues Call for Candidates

Hawaii

North Dakota

South Dakota

Nebraska

Kansas

Oklahoma

Minnesota

Iowa

Missouri

Arkansas

Louisiana

Mississippi

Alabama Georgia

S. Carolina

Florida

N. CarolinaTennessee

Kentucky

IllinoisIndiana Ohio

Michigan

Michigan

NewYork

VT

NHMass.Conn.

Maine

Pennsylvania

Virginia

Alaska

MD

Wisconsin

W Va

Texas

DE

RI

NJ

Washington

Oregon

CaliforniaNevada

Idaho

Wyoming

Montana

New Mexico

UtahColorado

Arizona

NorthNorthCentralCentralNorthNorth

CentralCentralNorth

CentralWesternesternWesternesternWestern

SouthernSouthernSouthernSouthernSouthernSouthernSouthern

NortheastNortheastNortheastNortheastNortheast

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Call for Nominations

Intent to ServeIf you would like to help shape the future of adult health/medical-surgical nursing by running for an electedoffice, please complete the information on this form and mail it along with a current curriculum vitae and a pho-tograph to the AMSN National Office, East Holly Avenue Box 56, Pitman, NJ 08071-0056. You should also includea statement of approximately 350 words giving your background and qualifications, and what you hope to do forthe Academy. This statement and photograph may be published in the Summer issue of AMSN News. Please referto your copy of the AMSN Bylaws for duties, term of office, etc. The deadline for receipt of all Intent to Serveforms is May 24, 2002. Contact the AMSN National Office at 856-256-2323 for additional information.

Name _____________________________________________________Credentials ________________________________

Position ______________________________________________________________________________________________

Home Address ________________________________________________________________________________________

City ___________________________________ State ____________ Zip _____________________________________

Home Phone _________________________________ Work Phone ___________________________________________

Best time to call ______________________ (Circle preferred phone number)

E-mail address ______________________________________________________________________________

I am interested in the following position. Please have someone contact me. (Must be full AMSN member)

❏ Treasurer (two–year term)

This position will serve on the Board of Directors

❏ Northeast Regional Director-Elect (two-year term, plus two years as Regional Director)

Please refer to the map in this newsletter for states included in each region.

Deadline for Return: May 24, 2002

Please return to:AMSN National Office

East Holly Avenue Box 56Pitman, NJ 08071-0056

(You may photocopy this form to keep your newsletter intact.)If you desire, download this application on-line at www.medsurgnurse.org


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Annual Convention toFeature a Silent AuctionThe annual convention in October will feature a

Silent Auction. The key to this event’s success is theability to contact companies who may be willing todonate items AMSN members may be interested inpurchasing at an auction. Examples of these items areartwork, autographed sports items, uniforms, stetho-scopes, nursing books, trips, luggage, grocery/storecertificates etc. Your input of any company, store, per-son, sports team, etc. that would be a good contact forthis event is essential. Please e-mail the nationaloffice ([email protected]), the name, address, phonenumber, and contact person’s name if known. Thisshould be a fun and exciting event at the convention.

AMSN’s Program Committee is very pleased toinvite you to the 11th Annual Convention of theAcademy of Medical Surgical Nurses! As with theprevious conventions, this will be an event filledwith information and networking essential to ournursing practice. “Medical-Surgical Nursing: TheFirst Line of Defense” will focus on cutting edge tech-nology and medications as well as celebrating ourspecialty practice, the varieties of our practice arenas,and where we are today. Participants will attend con-current and general sessions which are essential forthe staff nurse, educators, managers, students, andadministrators.

Our Opening Keynote speaker will be BrigadierGeneral Bill Bester, MSN, RN, Chief Army NurseCorps, Office of the Surgeon General. BG Bester willaddress the role of nurses in homeland defense anddisaster support training skill integration into modernday healthcare.

As has been our practice for the past few years,Cece Grindel, PhD, RN, will lead the Town Hall. Shewill focus on the issues affecting medical-surgicalnursing practice. This year, with the assistance of ourPresident, Marlene Roman, she will describe theAMSN “Nurses Nurturing Nurses” mentoring initia-tive.

In addition to these exciting general sessions,there are many stimulating concurrent sessions

The Vietnam Women’s Memorial is found near the Vietnam Veterans Memorialin Washington, D.C. The sculpture is designed by Gienna Goodacre.

SAVE THIS DATE!October 17-20, 2002

AMSN Convention • Washington, DC

planned. Some of the topics and speakers include,"Recognizing Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms in aPrimary Care Setting," presented by ElizabethVermilyea, MA, Director of Education & Training atThe Sidran Institute, Baltimore, Maryland. PamMalloy, MN, RN, OCN, Manager, ProfessionalDevelopment & Education, George WashingtonUniversity Hospital, Washington, DC, will discuss"Debunking the Myth of Pain Medication/Addiction.""Ethical Issues with Nutrition at End-of-Life," will bepresented by Karen Goff, BSN, RN, Case Manager,Gastrointestinal Services, St. Joseph Hospital,Atlanta, Georgia. Also scheduled is "ContinentUrinary Diversions," presented by Vicky Pontieri-Lewis, MS, RN, CNS, CWOCN, Clinical NurseSpecialist, Wound, Ostomy, Continence Nurse,Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, NewBrunswick, New Jersey

Our closing speaker, Faith Roberts, will have youlaughing hysterically at the foibles and strange thingswe do and experience in our profession, followedimmediately with choking back tears from thosemoments that touch our hearts. Faith defines spiritu-ality as “when my heart touches your heart,” and youwill certainly experience that in this time with Faith.She will remind us why we do what we do, and whata difference we make in people’s lives.

So, mark your calendar, save the date, October 17-20, and come to Washington, DC!

ConventionCorner

Attractions for AMSN’s11th Annual Meeting


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Summary of Minutes ofSpring Board Meeting

he AMSN Board of Directors met at thenational office in Pitman, New Jersey onMarch 8 & 9 and discussed the followingitems:

✒ National positions open for election this year areTreasurer and Northeast Regional Director-Elect. TheCall for Nominations will appear in the Spring issueof AMSN News and will be posted to the MembersOnly section of the AMSN Network.

✒ In 2003, the President-Elect, Secretary, North CentralRegional Director-Elect, and Southern RegionalDirector-Elect positions will be open for election.

✒ The Annual Convention is scheduled for October17-20, 2002 in the Washington, DC, area at theHyatt Regency Crystal City in Arlington, Virginia.Dates and sites of the 2003 and 2004 conventionwere also discussed. The 2003 convention will takeplace October 16-20 and the 2004 convention willbe held September 8-11. Site selection is underway.

✒ New special sections planned for the AMSNNetwork Web site are geriatrics and end-of-life/palliative care.

✒ Members are encouraged to submit articles forpublication in AMSN News.

✒ The Board, with input from Committee Chairs,voted to allow Student and Associate Members toserve on committees as non-voting members.These changes will be written into the roledescriptions for the committees.

✒ AMSN Window Static will be sold as a fundraiser.✒ The BOD voted to require that President-Elect

qualifications include having previously servedon the AMSN Board of Directors.

✒ There has been a lot of positive feedback regard-ing the Nurses Nurturing Nurses mentoring pro-gram. Many hospitals have expressed an interestin participating in the pilot study. The final man-ual is scheduled for completion by the end ofMay, and implementation will begin this summer.

✒ Revision of Chapter Achievement Award, startingwith this year’s submissions, will include fiveseparate category awards to recognize individualoutstanding contributions and one overall award.No chapter can win more than one of these sixawards per year.

✒ Each chapter is encouraged to submit items forthe Silent Auction and Raffle for the convention.The profit will be shared equally among the par-ticipating chapters and the national association.

✒ Position papers being developed:Legislative Policies & Issues Committee –Patient’s Bill of Rights, Nurse’s Bill ofRights, Ethics at End-of-Life, and PatientSafety/Medical Errors.Clinical Practice Committee – MedicationErrors, Domestic Violence, and Bio-terrorism.

Diane Daddario, BSN, RN, BCAMSN Secretary

Stroke Awareness Monthay is designated as the American HeartAssociation’s National Stroke AwarenessMonth. Educational events, screenings,and increased public discussions about

stroke, the symptoms, and treatment, are a few waysthat health care organizations are attempting to get theword out about this potentially devastating disease.

According to the American Heart Association2002 Heart and Stroke Statistical Update (Dallas, TX:AHA, 2001):

- stroke occurs every 53 seconds

- death occurs every 3 minutes

- of each 5 people affected, 3 are women and 2 aremen

- 170,000 deaths resulting from stroke occur eachyear, which is 1 of every 14 deaths

- an estimated $49 million dollars will be spent in2002 on stroke-related issues

A member organization of the American HeartAssociation, the American Stroke Association’s Website, www.strokeassociation.org, states, “the incidenceof stroke typically occurs in people over the age of 55,and nearly doubles with each decade after that age.”

This site has many tools available for organizationsto use to promote stroke awareness, as well as interest-ing statistical data. It has a Stroke Trials Directory,which is depicted as a “one of a kind Web site withdescriptions of completed and ongoing stroke thera-peutic trials.” It has information about the trial and itsdesired outcome, as well as the actual outcomes. TheAcute Stroke Treatment Program, designed for strokecenter directors and teams, is a program which assistsin setting up or refining those centers to enable them toprovide the highest, most cutting edge treatmentoptions.

Two downloadable kits that the American StrokeAssociation has available on this Web site can be usedby anyone who wants to do something during StrokeAwareness Month. One kit has all the information andhints on how to set up an educational event for thepublic about stroke – causes, symptoms, treatment,and outcomes. The other kit is for those who wish toprovide stroke screening. It recommends educationalmaterial, has protocols to follow, and has a strokescreening tool available. Both kits can be found in theprofessional resources link on the Web site.

To learn more about strokes, please refer to theAmerican Heart Association’s Web site, www.ameri-canheart.org, or the American Stroke Association’sWeb site, www.americanstroke.org.

Sally Russell, MN, RNAMSN Education Director

MT

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Candidates Sought for Clinical Practice AwardThe Ninth Annual AMSN Clinical Practice Award will be presented during the 2002 11th Annual Conventionin Washington, DC. Please review the criteria and submit a completed application with corresponding rationalefor those individuals who you feel should be considered. For further information, contact the AMSN NationalOffice, 856-256-2323, write to AMSN, East Holly Avenue Box 56, Pitman, NJ 08071-0056, or visit the AMSN Website: www.medsurgnurse.org

AMSN CLINICAL PRACTICE AWARD NOMINEE APPLICATIONDeadline May 31, 2002

Nominee ________________________________________

Credentials ______________________________________

Title ____________________________________________

Home Address____________________________________

_______________________________________________

Institution ________________________________________

Address _________________________________________

_______________________________________________

Submitted by _____________________________________

Name___________________________________________

Address _________________________________________

_______________________________________________

_______________________________________________

Telephone (day)___________________________________

Telephone (evening) _______________________________

E-mail __________________________________________

CLINICAL PRACTICE AWARDPurpose:To nationally recognize an AMSN member for outstandingprofessional achievement and contributions as a medical-surgical registered nurse. The award acknowledges a regis-tered nurse who has maintained the American Nurses’Association Standards of Clinical Nursing Practice perfor-mance and has improved the image and clinical practice ofmedical-surgical nursing.

Eligibility Criteria:1. The candidate must be a registered nurse (RN).2. Current member in good standing of AMSN.3. The candidate must have at least three (3) years of expe-

rience in the field of medical-surgical nursing.4. The candidate’s primary role as a medical-surgical nurse

must be the provision of direct patient care.5. The candidate must serve as a role model to nursing col-

leagues by:a) Maintaining an outstanding level of skill and knowl-

edge in the care of the medical-surgical patient.b) Utilizing creative techniques in patient care and

patient/significant other education.c) Demonstrating the ability to make sound clinical deci-

sions.d) Promoting collegiality through demonstration of col-

laborative efforts with other health care team members.

Award:Non-transferable complimentary registration to the annualconvention, a plaque, and honorarium sponsored by AnthonyJ. Jannetti, Inc. The award will be presented at the AMSNAnnual Convention.Selection:Applications received by the deadline will undergo review bythe Clinical Practice Committee. The recipient will be notifiedby the President of AMSN, followed by a written letter. Allcandidate information must be received at the AMSN NationalOffice by May 31, 2002. Deadline will be strictly adhered to inthe selection process.

INSTRUCTIONS:1. The candidate must be nominated by a nursing colleague

and/or nursing supervisor. 2. The nominator should provide information supporting the

nomination relating to specific criteria for the award.3. All submissions must be typed copy.4. The nominee’s name should not be identified in the body

of material submitted. The nominee’s name should appearon a separate cover page.

5. Two letters of recommendation must be submitted. One let-ter is from the nominator, and the second is from a col-league or supervisor. Submission from a physician orpatient may also be included. Each of the criteria must beaddressed in the letters with an example.

6. All information will remain strictly confidential and willnot be returned.

7. Selection is made based only on the information submitted.8. Submit a separate statement of 300 words or less describing

the nominee (excerpts will be read when presenting theaward at the Annual Convention).

9. Winner will be notified by July 15, 2002 and will be askedto submit a picture for recognition at convention.

RETURN NOMINATION TO: AMSN National OfficeEast Holly Avenue Box 56; Pitman, NJ 08071-0056

Nominate Colleague for Clinical Practice AwardThe Clinical Practice Committee is proud to accept applications for theNinth Annual AMSN Clinical Practice Award. We want to take this oppor-tunity to recognize the foremost medical-surgical registered nurse, and wefeel there are many eligible candidates in our membership.We feel challenged and honored to participate in this prestigious process.It is the responsibility of each of us to submit a nominee’s name so we canhonor the deserving leading medical-surgical registered nurse duringAMSN’s Eleventh Annual Convention to be held in Washington, DC,October 17-20, 2002.

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Nominee ________________________________________

Credentials ______________________________________

Title ____________________________________________

Home Address____________________________________

_______________________________________________

Institution ________________________________________

Address _________________________________________

_______________________________________________

Submitted by _____________________________________

Name___________________________________________

Address _________________________________________

_______________________________________________

_______________________________________________

Telephone (day)___________________________________

Telephone (evening) _______________________________

E-mail __________________________________________

Candidates Sought for the Clinical Leadership AwardThe Eighth Annual AMSN Clinical Leadership Award will be presented during the 2002 11th Annual Conventionin Washington DC. Please review the criteria and submit a completed application with corresponding rationalefor those individuals who you feel should be considered. For further information, contact the AMSN NationalOffice, 856-256-2323, write to AMSN, East Holly Avenue Box 56, Pitman, NJ 08071-0056, or visit the AMSN Website: www.medsurgnurse.org

AMSN CLINICAL LEADERSHIP AWARD NOMINEE APPLICATIONDeadline May 31, 2002

CLINICAL LEADERSHIP AWARDPurpose:To nationally recognize an AMSN member for outstandingprofessional achievement and leadership within the medical-surgical clinical setting. This award acknowledges a medical-surgical registered nurse whose leadership qualities emulatethe highest of professional standards and have improved theimage and practice of medical-surgical nursing.Eligibility Criteria:1. The candidate must be a register nurse (RN).2. Current membership in good standing of AMSN.3. A minimum of 5 years experience in medical-surgical

nursing required. Candidates can be nominated fromstaff nurse, educator, management or administrativeroles providing they meet the definition of one whoseleadership qualities emulate the highest of professionalstandards and have improved the practice of medical-surgical nursing.

4. The candidate demonstrates outstanding leadership by:a) Developing innovative approaches that contribute to

the improvement of the quality of nursing care.b) Promoting the specialty of medical-surgical nursing

within his/her practice setting and local community.c) Demonstrating leadership skills in the clinical setting

and the ability to facilitate change.d) Participating in practice standard development

and/or decision making processes within their orga-nization that influence positive outcomes for thepatient (e.g. committee membership, policy and pro-

cedure design).e) Participating in research utilization or development

for the enhancement of patient care.Award:The recipient will receive a non-transferable complimentaryregistration, hotel accommodations, and transportation toAMSN’s Eleventh Annual Convention, and a plaque. Theaward will be presented at the Annual Convention.Selection:Applications received by the deadline will undergo reviewby the Clinical Practice Committee. The recipient will benotified by the President of AMSN, followed by a written let-ter. All candidate information must be received at the AMSNNational Office by May 31, 2002. Deadlines will be strictlyadhered to in the selection process.INSTRUCTIONS1. The candidate must be nominated by a supervisor and/ or

nursing colleague 2. The nominator should provide information supporting

the nomination relating to specific criteria for the award.3. All submissions must be typed copy.4. The nominee’s name should not be identified in the body

of material submitted. The nominee’’ name shouldappear on a separate cover page.

5. Two letters of recommendation must be submitted. Oneletter is from the nominator, and the second is from a col-league or supervisor. Submission from a physician orpatient may also be included. Each of the criteria must beaddressed in the letters with an example.

6. All information will remain strictly confidential and willnot be returned.

7. Selection is made based only on the information submitted.8. Submit a separate statement of 300 words or less describ-

ing the nominee (excerpts will be read when presentingthe award at the Annual Convention).

Winner will be notified by July 15, 2002 and will be asked tosubmit a picture for recognition at convention.

RETURN NOMINATION TO: AMSN National OfficeEast Holly Avenue Box 56; Pitman, NJ 08071-0056

Nominate Colleague for Clinical Leadership AwardThe Clinical Practice Committee is proud to accept applications for theEighth Annual AMSN Clinical Leadership Award. We want to take thisopportunity to recognize the foremost medical-surgical registered nurse,and we feel there are many eligible candidates in our membership.We feel challenged and honored to participate in this prestigious process.It is the responsibility of each of us to submit a nominee’s name so we canhonor the deserving leading medical-surgical registered nurse duringAMSN’s Eleventh Annual Convention to be held in Washington, DC,October 17-20, 2002.

NursesNurturing

Nurses


11

Tuberculosis Control LegislationSeveral Senators have introduced two bills to con-

trol Tuberculosis. The American Lung Association isrequesting that you contact your Senators to urge themto cosponsor the Comprehensive TuberculosisElimination Act of 2001 (S.1115) and the Stop TB Act(S. 1116).Tuberculosis Facts

• Ten to 15 million people in this country are infect-ed with latent tuberculosis.

• One in 10 will eventually develop active TB andcould spread it to others.

• Worldwide, an estimated 2 billion people carry thelatent TB infection.

• Approximately 8 million new cases occur eachyear, and nearly 2 million people die from the dis-ease.

• The Comprehensive Control Act of 2001 will pro-vide the U.S. Public Health Service with theresources and authority needed to eliminate TB inthe U.S. and to play a leading role in eradicatingTB worldwide.

• The Stop TB Now Act will expand the U.S. com-mitment to control TB globally.

It’s simple:1) go to www.lungusa.org (the American Lung

Association web site).2) Scroll down to Take Action: Support Tuberculosis

Legislation — click here3) This will bring you to the American Lung

Association Network — Take Action TuberculosisControl Legislation

4) Fill in the blanks on the left side of the page. Thenclick on Fax the Letter. The letter will automati-cally be sent to your state Senators.

OR

Write and mail a letter to your senators.

To the Honorable :

I strongly urge you to cosponsor theComprehensive Tuberculosis Elimination Act (S.1115)and the STOP TB Now Act (S.1116). An estimated 10million people in the U.S. have latent TB infection.Worldwide, over 2 billion people carry latent tubercu-losis. Each year, over 2 million people die around theworld from TB. Your help is needed to help controlthis dreaded disease.

Tuberculosis is an airborne infection caused by abacterium. It primarily affects the lungs but it canattack almost any part of the body. TB is spreadthrough coughs, sneezes, speech, and close proximityto someone with active TB. People with active TB are

most likely to spread it to others they spend a lot oftime with, such as family members or coworkers. TBcan be effectively treated and cured with a course ofantibiotics. However, the development of multi-drugresistant strains of tuberculosis threatens to make thisan incurable disease. Multi-drug resistant strains havebeen reported around the world and in more than 20states.

Action is needed now to prevent the loomingtuberculosis problem from becoming a public healthcrisis. The Comprehensive Tuberculosis EliminationAct (S. 1115) and the Stop TB Now Act (S.1116) autho-rize the needed resources for domestic and interna-tional tuberculosis control programs. The bills expandresearch and education activities, train tuberculosisexperts, authorize screening and detection activitiesand give the states the flexibility needed to conducttuberculosis control programs at a local level. Mostimportantly, the bills increase the resources availableto treat people who are infected with tuberculosis.

Please join the fight against TB by cosponsoringthe Comprehensive Tuberculosis Elimination Act(S.1115) and the Stop TB Now Act (S. 1116).

Mandatory Overtime in the U.S.: An Issue ofPublic Safety and Quality of CareOver the past few years, U.S. nurses and nursing orga-nizations have been working toward limited overtimehours to maintain the quality of work-life and also toensure patient safety. In January 2002, the EconomicPolicy Institute published a report on the research ofovertime and how it affects U.S. economy, the family,and public safety.

Golden and Jorgensen report that overtime is grow-ing in many industries, including health care. In hos-pitals and medical facilities, there are an average of11%-12% of employees working more than 40 hoursper week. The authors make a case for linking overtimeto social problems that result from decreased time tosupervise children and less time to devote to familyand household obligations. Safety risks on and off thejob can be associated with less time to rest and sleep.Sleep deprivation can cause problems with concentra-tion, judgment, and ability to operate machinery ordrive a vehicle.

Nurses can use this objective information to providesupport for their arguments to limit overtime and in let-ters to their representatives and senators in Congress. Toread more, go to http://www.epinet.org/briefingpa-pers/120/bp120.pdf

Reference:Golden, L., & Jorgensen, H. (2002). Time After Time:

Mandatory Overtime in the U.S. Economy. EconomicPolicy Institute Briefing Paper.

Diane Daddario, BSN, RN, BCChairperson

Legislative Policies and Issues Committee

Legislative Updates


12

Your Research Committeeat Work

It is now widely expected that professional nursespossess clinical investigative abilities. The increasinguse of the evidence-based nursing practice in tandemwith practice guidelines point out the fact that scien-tific knowledge is shaping patient care faster than everbefore. The Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses(AMSN) has always emphasized research as the foun-dation of nursing practice. Thus, through its ResearchCommittee, the Academy “promotes the developmentof research-based medical surgical practice.” AMSNaims to accomplish this objective by disseminatingresearch through its official journal, MEDSURGNursing, programming, and poster presentations at itsconventions, and recognizing outstanding posterswith awards. In addition, the Academy involves itsmembers in research by soliciting membership in theResearch Committee. This year, 10 Academy membersserved on the Research Committee and 4 more peoplejoined the committee during the convention. Theyrepresent wide a range of expertise.

Consistent with its aim of promoting research, theResearch Committee facilitated the exhibition of 34posters during the 10th Annual Convention in KansasCity, Missouri. These posters were impressive in theirbreath and illustrated the wide range of clinical prob-lems in which medical-surgical nurses were involved.Curious conventioneers expressed appreciation for theknowledge shared in these 34 posters.

In addition, the Research Committee members select-ed three poster abstracts for oral presentation during a con-current session at the convention. Three different posterswere also recognized as outstanding presentations.

The success of any program depends on the activeparticipation of its members. The Academy and theResearch Committee invite you to participate inresearch-based projects wherever you might be. Youcan start by considering clinical management of everypatient as a “mini-research” project. Also, the era of a“lone investigator” is over. Consider working withother nurses, physicians, nursing faculty, and mostimportantly, nursing students. Also, work with profes-sionals outside the health care system, such as psy-

Committee News

TB disease. Those who are infected with TB have thebacteria in their body, but the body’s defenses are pro-tecting them from the germs, and they are not sick.Someone with TB disease is sick and can spread thedisease to others. A person with TB disease needs tosee a physician as soon as possible. It’s not easy tobecome infected with TB. Usually a person has to beclose to someone with the disease over a long periodof time. TB is usually spread among family members,close friends, and people who live or work together.TB is spread most easily in closed spaces over a longperiod of time.

TherapyActive therapy against TB began with the intro-

duction of the artificial pneumothorax and surgicalmethods to reduce lung volume—Mycobacteriumtuberculosis grows best in a well- oxygenated environ-ment. The artificial pneumo was a method of injectingair or inert substances into the pleural cavity to pressagainst the tuberculosis lung and prevent its move-ment. Pneumo was painful and could have seriousside effects. Such surgery for TB entailed long-termhospital care. The end of the sanitorium era beganwith the discovery of the long awaited magic bullets ofchemotherapy. In 1944, streptomycin was adminis-tered for the first time to a critically ill TB patient. Hisadvanced disease was visibly arrested, the bacteriadisappeared from his sputum, and he made a rapidrecovery. A rapid succession of anti-TB drugsappeared over the following years. Resistant mutantsto streptomycin began to appear, but with the combi-nation of two or three drugs, such as rifampin, isoni-azid, pyrazinamide, or ethambutol, this problem waseliminated.

Tuberculosiscontinued from page 4

Name the News ContestWith the new look and new format, comes a new name! We arelooking for a creative and snappy title for our official newslet-ter. The winner will receive a complimentary 2003 member-ship. Send your newsletter name suggestion, along with yourname, address, telephone number, and e-mail address toAMSN, East Holly Avenue, Box 56, Pitman, NJ 08071, or e-mailit to [email protected]. Contest ends June 7, 2002.

chologists, economists, engineers, and theologiansinvestigating questions related to cost, access, andquality. Through such collaborative research you canuncover novel patient-care models.

This year the emphasis for poster presentationswill be on the evidence-based nursing practice.However, posters on other topics are also welcome.The Research Committee invites you to share yourexpertise with colleagues on topics of common inter-est to medical-surgical nurses. Now it is time to getstarted on your project. The Research Committee iseager to assist you in your research endeavors. Sendyour questions and inquiries to the Academy. We willmake sure you get input from at least two ResearchCommittee members who have the expertise in thearea of your inquiry. Complete the for Call forAbstracts in this issue and share your knowledge. Welook forward to seeing you standing next to yourposter at our annual meeting in October.

Ayhan A. Lash, PhD, RN, FAANand Cecelia Gatson Grindel, PhD, RN

Co-Chairs, Research Committee�


13

Decline of TBIn the 1950s, TB rates in the United States

dropped by 75%. The tuberculosis sanitariums, hospi-tal complexes built specifically to care for TB afflictedindividuals, are now only memories to many olderphysicians. The beds are either empty or have beenconverted to care for others with more pressing med-ical problems. As the incidence of TB continued todecline in the early 1980s, most medical expertsexpected that the disease would be completely elimi-nated in the industrialized nations by 2010. But in1985, for the first time in this century, the decline inthe TB case rate stagnated and began a slow, steadyincrease that has persisted. By the year 2000, the TBbacteria had infected more than one-third of theworld’s population. Societal issues, such as AIDS,poverty, homelessness, alcohol and drug abuse, aswell as an increasing nursing home population, havereversed the previously downward trend.

Multidrug Resistance TBThe failure of patients to complete the full six to

nine months of antibiotic therapy required to cure theillness has also led to the resurgence of the disease.Many people stop taking the antibiotics when theystart feeling healthier, but successful treatment of TBrequires therapy beyond the period of obvious symp-toms. When patients fail to follow the prescribed treat-ment, they may become actively infectious, thus,spreading the disease to others. An infected personmay infect as many as 15 other people in a single year.Failure to complete treatment also can cause the emer-gence of TB bacterial strains with acquired drug resis-tance. The two best drugs to treat TB are INH andrifampin. If a person becomes resistant to at least bothof these medications, that person is said to be “multi-drug resistant (MDR).” When the patient is MDR, thereexists only a 50-80% chance of being cured, ratherthan the expected cure rate of 95%. To improve com-pliance, the WHO strongly recommends that all coun-tries adopt a program called Directly ObservedTherapy, Short-course (DOTS). DOTS requires healthcare workers to monitor patients to make sure thatthey follow the complete course of treatment.

A.G. Holley State HospitalA.G. Holley State Hospital was opened in 1950 as

the Southeast Tuberculosis Hospital in Lake Worth,Florida. It was originally built to serve 500 patients,with living accommodations for the physicians, nurs-es, and administrative staff. It was the second of fourstate TB hospitals built in Florida between 1938 and1952. With the discovery of drugs to treat TB patientsoutside of the hospital setting, the 1971 daily censusdropped to less than half of the original 500. By 1976,the beds and staff were reduced to serve a maximumof 150 patients. Although the hospital is currentlylicensed for 100 beds, it is only funded for 50. Theother hospitals have since closed. A.G. Holley is thelast of the original sanatoriums that continues to bededicated to tuberculosis. All patients are referred tothe hospital through one of the 67 county health

departments. Patients remain in the hospital anywherefrom 4 to 18 months, depending on the severity oftheir infection and complicating factors, such as MDR,HIV, cancer, substance abuse, etc. Some of the patientsare committed to the hospital by the courts. The hos-pital cures over 90% of all tuberculosis patients admit-ted, including those who are multi-drug resistant.

National Jewish Medical and Research CenterThe National Jewish Medical and Research Center

in Denver has treated tuberculosis patients since 1899.The hospital was established to care for the thousandsof people who flocked to Colorado’s high altitude anddry climate, seeking the elusive cure for their disease.National Jewish was one of the first institutions to baseits TB treatment program on the new drug therapyavailable in the late 1940s. Today, National Jewish isone of the world’s leading centers for the diagnosis andtreatment of TB. Research continues at the Center todefine new approaches to treat difficult TB infections.

PrognosisToday, tuberculosis is a different disease from

what was called tuberculosis 50 years ago. It affects adifferent patient population, is diagnosed with differ-ent technology, and is treated in a different milieu.Years ago, a patient with TB disease was placed in aspecial hospital or sanitorium for months, maybe evenyears, and would often have surgery. Today, TB can betreated with very effective drugs If the disease is diag-nosed early and given prompt treatment with appro-priate medications on a long-term regimen, the prog-nosis for recovery from TB is good for most patients.

For additional information on the diagnosis, treat-ment and control of TB, contact the American LungAssociation www.lungusa.org.

ReferencesA.G. Holley Hospital. Site: www.doh.state.fl.us/AGHolley/

diagnostics.htm.Cramer, D. (1999). Tuberculosis. Site: www.findarticles.com. Harms, J. (1997). Tuberculosis: Deaths Captain. Site:

www.bact.wisc.edu.National Jewish Medical and Research Center. Site:

www.nationaljewish.org.Ott, K. (1996). Fevered Lives: Tuberculosis in American

Culture since 1870. Cambridge, MA: Harvard UniversityPress.

Sarrel, M. A History of Tuberculosis. Site:www.state.nj.us/health/cd/tbhistry.htm

Toossi, Z. and Ellner, J. (1997). Tuberculosis. In Kelley, Wm.(Ed.). Textbook of Internal Medicine (3rd ed.). Phil:Lippincott-Raven, pg. 1687-1995.

Marlene Roman, MSN, RN, ARNPClinical Nurse Specialist

North Broward Hospital DistrictPompano Beach, FL


14

Too bad they haven’t turned their attention tonurses.

In the fragile ecosystem of medical care, nurses arethe ones who create the protective environment essen-tial to the well-being of both doctors and patients. Wecannot function without them. Their job is to provideknowledge, comfort, care and compassion.

But, lest nurses be offended by my comparingthem to the plant and animal life that are on the endan-gered species list, the metaphor stops here. My point isthat it seems society expends greater resources andenergy on the protection of birds and flowers than onprotecting the viability of the nursing profession.

Throughout my training, it was as many nurses asdoctors who turned me from a green med-ical student into a full-fledged physi-cian. At times, nurses were my primarysource of learning. Because the houses-taff was overwhelmed, an operatingroom nurse took the time to teachme the fine points of suturing.When she saw I had mastered thetechnique, she put the needleholder into my hand during aprocedure. “The student is readyto close,” she informed the sur-geon.

My initial assignment duringmy first post-graduate year as apediatric resident was the new-born nursery. Not yet a father, anduncomfortable in my awareness of how little I reallyknew despite the magical initials that had been recent-ly appendaged to my name, I admitted my fears to thehead nurse.

Her smile put me at ease. “We’re going to teach thisyoung doctor how not to drop babies,” she announcedto the other nurses in her unit. And by the end of thefirst week, I was a pro.

Even more frightening to me were the high-risknursery and pediatric intensive care units. But byadmitting my ignorance and asking for help from thenurses in each area through which I rotated, I feltmyself respected and supported. And I believe the

patients were better cared for because of the partner-ship I created with the nursing staff. At least they pre-vented me from killing anybody.

During my dermatology residency, nurses I metwhile moonlighting in attendings’ private officestaught me medical techniques and also provided mewith an education in business and practice promotion.

A significant part of the success of my more than20 years in practice is directly attributable to the won-derful nurses who have worked with me. Along withmy office staff, they maintain the “sacred space” inwhich patients and I interact. Nurses are full-fledgedpartners in the health care equation, offering not onlytheir compassionate perspective, but also their eyes,ears and hearts. I am indebted to them for the manytimes they have prevented me from doing or sayingsomething foolish, or worse, harming a patient.

Hospitals and office practices have difficulty fill-ing vacancies as nurses discover they can earn highersalaries in other professions. But beyond the money,nurses are disappearing because as much misery asmanaged care has brought to doctors, they have been

affected more than we have. Nurses tradi-tionally have been the human interfacebetween the hospital and patient. While our

time with patients was measured in min-utes, nurses spent hours with patients.

They were the ones who knew howpatients were really doing andinformed us at the first signs of trou-ble.

With the advent of managedcare, many nurses have been relegat-

ed to shuffling papers and recordinginformation. And as much as we didn’tbecome doctors to argue with insurancecompanies, nurses didn’t earn theirdegrees to push pencils.

Unfortunately, I don’t have a solu-tion for the problem. Raising awareness of the crisis isa good start. Nurses are a priceless health care resourcethat is not being renewed or protected. And if we asdoctors don’t do something to reverse the situation,both our patients and our own profession will suffer.Let’s not wait until nurses become extinct.

Commentary by Michael Greenberg, MD

Dr. Greenberg is a dermatologist in Elk Grove Village,Ill. and author of the novel A Man of Sorrows(http://www.anovelvision.com/). You can contact himby e-mail ([email protected]).

Hailing One of Health Care’sPriceless Resources — NURSES

The U.S. Dept. of the Interior spends mil-lions of dollars to protect our nation’s endan-gered species. It writes long lists of plantsand animals whose populations are danger-ously low and hires scientists to figure outways to increase their numbers.


15

Chapter News

Blue Ridge ChapterThe Blue Ridge Chapter was chartered in 1996 and

serves south central Virginia, with the majority of itsmembers from the Lynchburg and Charlottesvilleareas. Meetings and educational programs are heldbimonthly. Educational topics for this year includeretention, bio-terrorism, legislative issues, polyphar-macy in the elderly, orthopedic update, and forensicnursing.

The chapter is active in community service pro-jects. For the past three years, members have partici-pated in Senior Awareness Day at River Ridge Mall inLynchburg. The chapter sponsored a table wheremembers performed blood pressure and blood sugarscreenings, and provided information about hyperten-sion and diabetes. Additionally, the chapter partici-pated in Operation Christmas Child for the first time in2001. Operation Christmas Child is a program orga-nized by Samaritan’s Purse to provide Christmas giftsfor needy children around the world. Members donat-ed six shoe-boxes of toys. In 2001, the chapter alsodonated money to help the Central Virginia MedicalMission Team provide two nursing kits for students atthe EX ED Nursing Assistant Programme (equivalentto the US LPN) in Morant Bay, Jamaica. Each kit con-tained a stethoscope, BP cuff, thermometer, reflexhammer, pen light, bandage scissors, hemostat, acewrap, and sterile 2x2s and 4x4s. Each kit, includingthe bag, is valued at $60.

The chapter sponsors an annual $500 nursingscholarship to a local entry level or graduate level RN.The applicants must have an interest inmedical-surgical nursing and write an essay abouttheir plans to work in medical-surgical nursing aftergraduation.

The current fund-raising activity is a chapter cook-book. This project is still in the planning stages, andthe members hope to have it available at the nationalconvention and through the national Web site this fall.

The Blue Ridge Chapter was the first local AMSNchapter to have its own Web site. The Web site con-tains a schedule of meetings, meeting minutes, out-lines from the educational offerings, information aboutthe national organization and links to nursing Websites of interest. The Web site can be visited atwww.amsnbrc.org.

Officers for 2001-2002 are Cindy Ward, MS, RNC,president; Tracy Langebeck, BSN, RN, president-elect;Allison Brooks, BSN, RN, secretary; and Diane Jegel,BSN, RN, treasurer.

Cindy Ward, MS, RNCBlue Ridge Chapter President

Greater Houston ChapterThe Greater Houston Chapter was established in

August 1999 recruiting national and local membersfrom thirty hospitals in Houston. It provides quarterlyeducational programs relevant to current nursingissues and topics related to adult health/medical-sur-gical nursing.

One of the chapter goals, collaboration with otherspecialty nursing organizations, was achieved whenon January 18, 2002, the AMSN Greater HoustonChapter collaborated with Texas Nurses Association(TNA) in Edwin Hornberger Conference Center. TNAsponsored a Nursing Rodeo with 11 educational topicsfor RNs, LVNs, and student nurses. There were 20exhibitors present, representing professional nursingassociations, including AMSN, American Associationof Neuroscience Nurses (AANN), and AmericanAssociation of Critical Care Nurses (AACN). Therewere also three schools of nursing, four nursingstaffing agencies, nine hospitals, and one health caremagazine.

The Greater Houston Chapter display included aposter, three AMSN publications, copies of the AMSNNews, MEDSURG Nursing Journal, as well as mem-bership brochures for the nation and local associa-tions.

The highlight of the collaboration was introducingthe Greater Houston Chapter of AMSN to all the con-ference attendees. We had the opportunity to networkwith our colleagues to promote medical-surgical nurs-ing as a speciality and AMSN as the professional nurs-ing specialty organization of choice.

Nancy Conde, RNGreater Houston Chapter President

Pictured, Jean Sedita (left) and Nancy Conde.

Chapter Reports DueChapter Officers, submit your Chapter

Achievement Reports to the national office toarrive by June 30, 2002. Five new awards will

be given this year. Details coming soon!


16

Tonsillectomy:An Adult Perspective

I can remember vividly as a child the appoint-ments to the pediatrician for tonsillitis: the pain asso-ciated with the affliction, swelling of the neck lymphnodes, but most of all, the daily injections ofPenicillin. I would cry begging my mother not to takeme. Even on Saturdays and Sundays, we would makethe journey to his office, only to have him examine mythroat and order another round of antibiotics. Thisroutine of infections and office visits went on for twoyears. At the tender age of eight, these memories areburned into my mind for a lifetime.

By the age of ten the infections resided. Not until Ibecame an adult, age 44, did the symptoms return. Iwould spike temperatures as high as 103. White pock-ets would appear overnight. My lymph nodes onceagain became enlarged. The infections would reoccureven after completing several rounds of antibiotics.My internist finally gave up and sent me to an Ears,Nose and Throat specialist.

I was found to have chronic tonsillitis due tohypertrophic, crepitus tonsils. The only course ofaction was a tonsillectomy. Being a nurse, I did notwant to accept this news. To me, this is a childhoodproblem and adults are not supposed to be plagued byit. But my body had other plans. My tonsils enlargedto the point that I developed obstructive apnea whileasleep. My husband, a respiratory therapist, insisted Isubmit to the procedure. He was tired of staying awakeat night listening for my next breath. I had no othercourse but to schedule the operation.

I could not help but laugh when the surgeon’snurse told me that the age of his oldest patient hadbeen 46. She was just two years older then I, so I wassecond in line for breaking a record.

The procedure was to be outpatient. I would remainfor four hours in the post-op area after returning fromrecovery. The day I was admitted I arrived before a sixyear old. He, too, was scheduled for a tonsillectomy. Ijust knew I was going to be in the pediatric section.

When I was wheeled into the surgery room it wasdecorated with cartoon characters from my youth. Ilaughed and told the anesthesiologist this was ridicu-lous. He wanted to know if I preferred Big Bird overDonald Duck. Then he said, “Night, night. Sweetdreams little one.”

When I awoke back in my cubicle, I could hear thechild across the hall. He was allowed to go home. Hehad voided, had no nausea, and was taking fluids. I, onthe other hand, had not voided, was having dryheaves, and began to cough. Two nurses ran over tome, telling me to stop hacking or I would open a bleed-er and have to return to surgery. I began to cry. I feltlike a child while shedding my tears, but old when Iwaved good-bye to the boy and his parents, who wereyounger than I.

Even though the post-recovery was difficult, theswollen tongue, hoarse voice, constant burning pain,inability to eat, difficulty speaking and swallowing,changes in taste and general exhaustion, I can say Ifared well. The only reason I can say this is because ofthe support of my friends. My nursing peers came tomy home checked my throat, assessed my hydrationstatus, noted any signs/symptoms of infection, and lec-tured me on pain management. The dietician helpedwith finding tolerable foods, since everything I ate tast-ed like dirt on a hot summers day! The speech therapistwas on stand by with suggestions. I had not realizedthat it takes over 26 muscles just to swallow – andevery one of them was feeling stretched to the limit.With the visits of my peers and support of the rehabil-itation staff, I felt loved, supported, and cared for.

The significance of this experience has been pro-found. It has taught me the importance of pain man-agement and has reinforced the role that homehealth/rehabilitation services plays in this country. Iwas lucky to have had health professionals who caredabout me. They offered me their services free ofcharge. But not everyone has access to this type ofcare. The home health services that are currently paidfor by Medicare are in danger of reduction modifica-tion. The reduction of visits based on diagnosis andthe modifications in reimbursement are having a sub-stantial impact on the industry.

What can we do to help our patients with theimpending changes? As health professionals, we mustcontinue to place our patients first, and we mustremain as their advocates. We must continue to givequality care. And when the revisions do come, weneed to handle them willingly. Remember, one personcan make a difference, but a group can make a change.

Mary Pearson, RNC, MSEDMercy Health Center

Sister’s of MercyOklahoma City, OK

Rehabilitation Department

Have you beenreceiving AMSN’selectronic newsbulletins? This serviceprovided by AMSN informsmembers via e-mail ofimportant news and informationrelevant to medical-surgical nursing. If you wouldlike to receive these bulletins, just visit AMSN’shomepage at www.medsurgnurse.org and signthe guestbook. You will automatically receivefuture editions of MedSurg Nursing Connection,the official electronic newsletter of AMSN.

17

General Information:Have you implemented a creative nursing intervention, anew model for delivery of services, or an innovative researchproject? If so, the Academy of Medical-Surgical Nursesinvites you to share your expertise with colleagues. Topics ofinterest related to clinical practice, research, or manage-ment/education in medical-surgical nursing are requested.Abstracts related to these issues are invited for presentationat the poster session at the AMSN Annual Convention inWashington, D.C., October 17-20, 2002. Three applicants willbe invited to present their projects. Each of these presenterswill have 20 minutes to share their information. AMSN willgive a $100 discount off the full registration fee to these threepresenters (one discount per poster will be awarded).

Authorship of AbstractsThe primary author submits the abstract with the full

consent of all authors and has obtained necessary institu-tional clearances. Full members of AMSN as well as non-members are invited to submit abstracts.

Types of AbstractsClinical and Management/Education Abstracts – infor-

mation on new or unique projects or programs. Abstractsmay address practice, management, education, or otherprofessional issues related to medical–surgical nursing.

Research Abstracts – presentation of research findingsof quantitive and qualitative studies, or quality assuranceinnovation.

Review and Acceptance of AbstractsA blind review of the abstract is directed by the

Research Committee. The abstract will be evaluated forcompletion of requested information and adherence to allinstructions. If an abstract does not adhere to the technicalinstructions, it will not be reviewed. Abstracts will undergoblind review by the abstract review committee. Notice ofoutcome of review will be mailed by mid-July.

Instructions for Abstract Forms1. All components of the submitted abstract (title,

body/text, and authors) are to be included within thebox provided on the other side. The abstract must besubmitted on this form to be accepted. PLEASE BENEAT. Accepted abstracts will be included in theConvention Program as submitted. You may alsodownload this form from the AMSN Web site atwww.medsurgnurse.org.

2. The TITLE should be brief and clearly indicate thenature of the presentation. It is centered at the top ofthe abstract in CAPITAL LETTERS.

3. The BODY/TEXT of the abstract is to be typed sin-gle–spaced and should be no more than 300 words.Type cannot be smaller than 12 pitch on a typewriter Ifusing a computer, set margins as follows: top-0.5, rightand left-2.1, bottom-4.1, and type size at 11.

Organize the body/text of the abstract as follows:

For Clinical and Management/Education Abstracts

briefly state the problem/situation to be investigated ordescribed; describe the approach to the problem/situa-tion; describe the methods, practices, and/or interven-tions; present the findings, conclusions, and/or out-comes; and state the implications/relevance to themedical–surgical area.

For Research Abstracts, briefly state theproblem/hypothesis to be investigated; describe theresearch design, sample, methods, and instruments;present the findings or outcomes of the research; andstate the implications/relevance of the research.

4. The first name, last name, and degree(s) of all authorsshould be included at the end of the abstract within thebottom box. Give the title, institution, city, and state forthe first author only; the first author listed shall be thecontact person for future correspondence.

Materials to be Submitted1. The original and one (1) photocopy of the abstract that

includes all of the information as described above.2. Six (6) copies of the abstract on which the bottom por-

tion of the abstract box giving author information hasbeen deleted; (including author/s names within thebox). These copies will be for the blind review.

3. One (1) self–addressed, stamped postcard with the titleof the abstract typed on the message side of the card.This will be mailed to the sender upon receipt of theabstract.

4. The release statement signed by the first author.

NO FAX COPIES WILL BE ACCEPTED.The form may be downloaded from the Web site:www.medsurgnurse.org

Poster Presentation at ConventionAMSN will supply an assigned presentation space, and

a display board.Abstract presenters must pay the applicable registra-

tion fee for the convention. No travel or other expenses areprovided. Presenters are responsible for all expensesincurred for their presentation including, but not limitedto, the poster itself and handouts.

Format for the poster presentation should include acreative, visual presentation of the abstract content.Presenters must be present at their display during assignedexhibit times to allow colleagues to ask questions. Exacttimes are subject to the final program and will be commu-nicated to presenters.

Posters will be judged and awards presented duringthe convention.

Deadline DateAbstracts must be submitted on form provided and be

received by May 31, 2002. Submissions received after thisdate will be considered for presentation at the convention,but will not be eligible for an award. Send to: AMSN, EastHolly Avenue/Box 56, Pitman, NJ 08071-0056.

Call for Poster Session Abstracts

18

Abstract Category (check one)■■ Clinical Practice■■ Research■■ Management/Education

I would ■■ would not ■■ like to be consid-ered for a 20 minute oral presentation.

I certify that all requested information is accurate.I certify that the material contained in the abstracthas the consent of all authors and that clearance topresent the material has been obtained, if neces-sary. I am aware that if the abstract is accepted forpresentation it will be included in the ConventionProgram and may be published in AMSN News,official newsletter of the Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses.

Signature of First Author

Name of first author/presenter (include degrees and certification)

________________________________________________________

Position/Title ______________________________________________

Institution/Employer_________________________________________

Work Address _____________________________________________

City _______________________State _________Zip _____________

Work Telephone( ) _______________________________________

Home Address ____________________________________________

City _______________________State _________Zip _____________

Home Telephone( )______________________________________

E-mail Address ____________________________________________

AMSN Member: _____________Yes ___________No

ABSTRACT DEADLINE: RECEIVED BY MAY 31, 2002DO NOT FOLD

AJJ-0402


19

ic alveolar hypoventilation. The limited ability to takedeep breaths can also lead to increased retention ofsecretions and the decreased ability to cough.

Resuming the use ofassistive devices, such ascrutches and braces, canbe difficult to accept.However, it can improvequality of life by reduc-ing fatigue, pain and therisk of falls.

Nutrition require-ments may become anissue especially in acutebulbar polio patients.The nerves that inner-vate muscles used forswallowing and chewingcan be affected. PPSpatients may experiencelaryngospasm due tospasmodic closure of theglottic aperture. This canlead to malnutrition, dehydration, and aspirationpneumonia. Speech can also be impaired because ofvocal cord weakness. Encourage small mouthfuls andsips of liquids. Sit the PPS patient upright to reduceaspiration. If decreased nutrition is due to fatigue, pro-vide frequent, small, high protein meals. A feedingtube may need to be considered if oral intake is poor orthe patient is at risk for aspiration.3

If the PPS patient is experiencing overflow incon-tinence or frequent UTI’s it may be due to a weakeneddetrusor muscle which prevents complete emptying ofthe bladder. Urinary incontinence may also be causedby weakened pelvic floor muscles. The PPS patientmay require intermittent catheterization if post-voidresiduals are high.3

Energy conservation techniques should beemployed to reduce fatigue. PPS patients should planrest periods lasting at least 15 minutes between activi-ties. Reducing excess weight will also help conserveovertaxed muscles.

Pain in muscles and joints can be reduced throughthe use of braces to reduce strain. Heat and cold appli-cation may help. Some PPS patients have experiencedrelief with the use of TENS units while others havebenefited from biofeedback, relaxation, distraction, ormassage.

The role of medications to treat postpolio syn-drome remains controversial. Trials with prednisoneto increase muscle strength, amantadine to decreasemuscle fatigue, and pyridostigmine to do both havefailed. However, anti-inflammatory agents along withnonfatiguing exercises, reconditioning, and weightcontrol can increase endurance and performance.2

Above all, this population will need psychosocialsupport as they deal with the late symptoms of a dis-

ease they had successfully battled and put behindthem many years ago. Because PPS patients worked sohard to overcome their disabilities, they may be hesi-tant to seek early treatment that may reduce or delaypostpolio symptoms. They should be encouraged to

see a physician who isknowledgeable in thetreatment of PPS at leastonce a year.

OPS patients aretrue survivors. We canreassure them that PPSprogresses slowly withlong periods of stability.Patients and their fami-lies can be referred tonational resource organi-zations for informationand access to supportgroups. As medical-surgical nurses, we mustbe prepared to supportand learn from our PPSpatients as they face thisnew challenge.

Resources:The Gazette International Network Institute, St. Louis, MO

www.post-polio.orgThe Lincolnshire Post-Polio Network, www.lin-colnshire.gov

References:1. McInerney, C. Postpolio syndrome: a battle revisited.

Nursing Spectrum (New England Edition) 1998;2(10):8-9.

2. Dalakas, M.C. why drugs fail in postpolio syndrome:lessons from another clinical trial. Neurology 1999;53(6): 1225-33.

3. Chasens, E.R. Post-polio syndrome. American Journalof Nursing 2000; 100(12): 60-1, 63, 65.

Marcia Kucler, MSN, RN, CSMetroHealth Medical Center

Cleveland, OH

Post-Polio Syndromecontinued from page 1

photo courtesy of MetroHealth Medical Center

Sharing Your SecretsA quick way of determining a patient’s fluidvolume level is to take their sodium and multi-ply that number by 2. If the number is greaterthan 295, the patient is in a fluid deficit. Thehigher the number, the worse the volumedeficit. If the number is less than 275, thepatient is experiencing a fluid overload. Again,the lower the number, the greater the fluidexcess.

Do you have a secret to share?Send us your tips and helpful hints to share

with your colleagues.


20

Web siteThe following are some of the responses from theAMSN Web site Question of the Month. Take time tovisit our home page at www.medsurgnurse.org andanswer the Question of the Month.

Question: How does youremployer support nursingprofessional development?

Responses:My organization supports nursing professional devel-opment in many different ways. Reimbursement forCE, reimbursement for certification with pay incentivesfor certification.

Paid education days, supported our creation of ourAMSN chapter, provides free CE classes, free certifica-tions in special areas.

By offering us all kinds of education in the form of lec-tures and seminars.

My employer will pay nurse managers for one profes-sional conference per year and dues for one profession-al membership. As far as the general staff, it is usuallythe manager’s option on what will be reimbursed. I tryto get the registration (for local conferences) and pay forthe day.

We are paid for certification, $100/month for full timeemployees, we are given 40 hours per year for educa-tional leave, and up to 12 hours may be used for homestudy.

Reimbursement for certification and reimbursement foreducation.

CE reimbursement, certification & college courses.Awards & recognition, clinical advancement program,spot-light specific nurses for their professional & com-munity service/work.

They try to offer a lot of opportunities for CE’s, will giveyou time off for certification, but no rewards for it.

Two paid education days per year, reimbursement forcertification, and $25 per month for certification.

Hired CNS and CNE to support staff, reimburse for CE,provide CE courses, reimburse for certification tuition,and pay a differential for certification.

Questionof the Monthgroups. Another new feature is Drug Update. There

are so many new drugs coming to the market that it’sdifficult to keep up with all of them. We believe thisinformation will be of value to our membership. We’restarting Sharing Your Secrets (Helpful Hints) col-umn. A lot of our knowledge is embedded and is sec-ond nature to us, but it is never documented or shared.Here’s your chance to let your colleagues know aboutsomething you do that works well. Another columnwill be our Convention Corner. We will continuallyupdate you on topics and speakers that have been con-firmed for October’s convention in Crystal City,Virginia. We’ll also include sites to see and things todo while there. We also want your feedback about howwe are doing. We welcome and encourage letters to theeditor. The format for the newsletter is fluid and willcontinue to change to meet the needs of our members.Career Profiles is an area in which we will focus onthe varied roles of a medical-surgical nurse. Recently,we published an article on nursing in the correctionalsetting; we invite you to write to us about your role asa medical-surgical nurse. Tell us about your job! ANurse’s Story is a column for you to tell us about anursing experience that touched you in such a waythat you will never forget the encounter.

UpdatesAMSN News will continue to keep you informed

about various AMSN projects, such as our NursesNurturing Nurses program. Our goal is to include atleast three Clinical articles per issue. This is a greatopportunity for you to get started on your writingcareer. Tell us about your expertise. AMSN News isinterested in relevant clinical articles for medical-sur-gical nurses. Another item that we hope will be ofinterest to our members, is discussion of the AMSNstrategic plan and how it is being met. The AMSNBoard of Directors recently reviewed and revised thisplan, so look for more information in the next issue ofAMSN News.

This issue of the newsletter has a lot of thechanges mentioned above, but it is a work in progress.So, stayed tuned for more great things to come!

Marlene Roman, MSN, RN, ARNPPresident

President’s Messagecontinued from page 2

Got a Question?Got a Clinical Issue?

Got the Answer? Got an innovative solution?

Visit the Forum on the AMSN Network!

Post your query and look for input from othernurses.

Be sure to post your response, too.www.medsurgnurse.org


21

Both of my employers support professional develop-ment by reimbursement, recognition of certification,and professional membership.

As a member of the US Navy Nurse Corps, I considermyself lucky on this issue. Education and training ishighly valued throughout Navy Healthcare. The NurseCorps sponsors a nursing symposium each year specif-ically aimed at the uniqueness of Navy Nursing. Wealso have training commands established to provide uswith specific training on topics like combat care and wefrequently send nurses to these courses. In addition, wesend nurses to privately sponsored conferences like theAMSN convention. I have been very fortunate recently.Last October I was given the chance to attend theAMSN convention, and in December was one of about60 nurses chosen in the Navy for full time duty underinstruction. I will attend the Medical University ofSouth Carolina as a full time student from August 2001to December 2002 to earn a MSN in Adult Health.Thank you for asking this question.

Actually, very little reimbursement is offered, except forsome CE classes. It is a small hospital. They do encour-age occasional on-site classes and short seminars.

They pay for certification, two education days a year,and I believe they have tuition reimbursement.

Reimbursement for certification if the need for certifica-tion is part of job description, reimbursement for con-tinuing educations programs that are supportive ofgoals and initiatives for the unit/organization.

Reimbursement for attending conferences when pre-senting a poster or a presentation, a yearly nursingretreat to encourage staff to present new knowledge atstaff meetings, and they encourage membership in yourspecialty organization.

Tuition reimbursement for BSN/MSN, onsite continu-ing education. They bring speakers in, also reimburse-ment for CE/conference attendance, paid for certifica-tion.

Reimbursement of certification, continuing education,and conventions.

80% reimbursement for CE registration fees, paid CEdays based on position and hours, salary differential forcertification.

National certification pay, reimbursement for continu-ing education, fees for certification, and low fee or freein hospital CE classes.

My employer pays a one-time bonus of $500 when youfirst become certified in any speciality. They have alsorecently started to pay $300 per year to attend profes-sional conferences, with the stipulation that after theconference you must give a one-hour presentation ontwo different shifts to the staff on your unit, on the con-ference content.

Tuition reimbursement, in-house presentations, andthey are working on a career ladder.

My employer reimburses for certification but does notoffer any incentives for RNs who become certified, i.e.bonuses, pay raise, etc.

Tuition reimbursement for college courses leading to adegree.

Conference Days to go to CE programs. Sometimes theywill pay for the actual program. CE programs are offeredby the hospital. Some of these are free or at a reducedcost to staff members. They also offer In-services, SkillsDay, “Read to Succeed” binder which has varied arti-cles on nursing.

Our employer sponsors a program that nurses can takepart in where they can take CEs, become a member of anursing organization, etc., to earn so many points forthese things and then be awarded some money at theend of a year. Many people don’t participate, however.

Not very supportive. My supervisor suggested I joinAMSN but did not pay the fee. I attend a couple of CEseminars a year, and my employer refuses to pay forthem or even pay me for the hours that I am at the sem-inar.

In MANY ways!* an Office of Professional Development is available tostaff and is instrumental in assisting staff with publish-ing, presenting, etc.* our Friends of Nursing program (donations from com-

munity members) reimburses many RNs for confer-ence attendance and other professional activities

* each unit is provided with a certain amount of “edu-cational monies” to use for staff’s educational needs

* certification has not been covered by my employer inthe past, however, we will soon have this available tous

* if presenting at a conference, the entire cost is covered* staff are recognized for numerous awards which fur-

ther promotes professional development

Question of the Month continued

Don’t forgetto visit AMSN’s web site:

www.medsurgnurse.org�


22

SOUTHERNGail Acuna, RNCVanessa Arline RSN, RN BCGloria Blankenship Lori Bolin, RNMary Ellen Bond, RNAnita Bradley, BSN, RN, BCCatherine Branton, MS, RN,

CRNPAudrey Bravo-Phipps BS, RNAmy Elizabeth Broome, BSN, RNAngela Burrus, RNCynthia L. Carpenter, RNBeth Carr, RNCJuliane Chainakul, RNTherese M. Clinch, MSN, RNDawn E. Coleman, RNSonra Coulter, RNHeather Craven, RNCherish Crisostomo, RNLeslie Cummings, RNJohnsie Davis Sherri A. Dearing Deborah Dennis, MS, RN, CDEE. Jean Foster, RNDarlene Gilcreast Cynthia Goodrich Patsy Gowen, BSN, RNLora Lynne Gregory Kathy Hageman, RNPamela Halverson, RNPeggy S. Henault, RNJean Herman Janet Holliday Margaret D. Kelly Deborah Koepp Melanie Lynn Kuzma Deanna LaCasse, RN-ANMNancy Larsen, BSN, RNLeslie LeBlanc, RNDonna C. Little, RNSummer Lloyd, RNElizabeth Annie Martinez, RNSheryl Mason, RNMary Meads, RNPatsy Morris, RNKaren M. Nagle Luna Marie Nakao, RNTeresa M. Oehler, RN, ADN, RN CAnn O’Neill, RNCristana A. Padilla, RNSherill Prince, RN

Gaileen Quammie Nella Rogers, RNCarolyn S. Rowe, RNRebecca Rule Tanis Russell, RNDonna Schanck Olivia Schlosser, RNCynthia Sowell, RNRoberta E. Stoops, MS, RNCJeanne R. Sweezy, RNCostellia Talley Carol Tetault, RNAnitra K. Thomas Traci R. Thorn, RNNancy Walter, MSN, MS, RNDeirdre Wartew, RNCLois E. Weinstein, RNRobert Westfall, MSN, RNElzina White Cerise Wotorson, BSN, RN

NORTHEASTPrescilla C. Alvino, RNMary Antonucci, MSN, RNCCarrie Atchison, RNRosalind D. Ballard, MA RNIvrose Bamba June L. Baransky, RNErin Biggie, BSN, RNTammy Bricker, RNSusan Campolattaro, RNCBeverly Cardinale, RNCSusan Louise Casey, RNCJacqueline M. Clark ADN, RNPatricia J. Diehl, RNCCarole A. Ditch, BSN, RNCSandra Driscoll, MSN, RN CSMargaret M. Durand, RNMary Alice Eaton Jayne Edman Sharon M. Flowers, RN CFaye L. Fox, RNCCecilia Korkor Gyapong, RNMarcia Haire Sandy Happel, RNLaura Hayes Sharyll L. Hockenberry, RNMary E. Horst, RNAudra G. Johns, MSN, RNAdrienne Kehoe, RNBarbara B. Kell, RNCKaren Knepper, RNLinda Sue Lottes, RN

Isabel Lozano, RNBrenda Lucas, BSN, RNElizabeth Maloney, RNCJanet McClain, RNAndie Melendez Gale Patenaude Marie Perrin, RNSharon Quiggle, RNCMichelle M. Rivers, RNC,

CWOCNCharles Robinson, RNDonna L. Robinson, RN CKimberly S. Robinson, RNCKarla Rohrer, RNMary Ruthrauff, RNGloria Salemi Nicole A. Smith, RNPatricia Smith, RNKimberly Starliper, RNKathy Sullivan, BSN, RNCKarla Weist, RNRosanne Wike, RNBarbara Yuhas, RNC

WESTERNStella Agudelo, RNRachel Bevilacqua, RNBarbara L. Blake Kathleen Boeger Judith Brady Catherine Carter, BSN, RNHelen M. Eosefow, RNElizabeth M. Frank, BSN, RNKaren L. Hutslar, RNLaurelen Jabbour, RNCRamona Lamoureux, RNToni Mayer-Oliveira, RNMartha McNabb, RNLinda Miller, RNPaula R. Milner, MS, RN, CSCynthia Montanez, BSN, RNMelvina Murphy, RN CLaurie Pratt, RNCLorri Reed Tracy A. Renn Sandi Rideout Jacob L. Robertson, BSN, RNSusan Kasting Rodgers, RNVicki Rodriquez, RNMaria Scarpelli Andrea Stizza, RNCMonetta Marcene Stockton, MN,

RN

Marilyn Taylor, RNGil J. Vigil, RNCJennifer Viray, BSN, RNSusan Vowles MSHA, BSN, RNDeborah Wayne Audrey Wilder, RNLisa Willis Renee l. Wright, MSN, RN

NORTH CENTRALAleyamma Abraham, RNCBonnie AlwordenStella B. Anwiler, RNKaren M. BoehmTraudel B. ClineMarie Doherty, RNCarolyn M. Dragonette, MSN, RNCCarol Erhart, RNClaudia S. Fox, BSN, RNLinda HansenCatherine Hildebrandt, BSN, RNCarrie Jaksa, RNLisa JonesShannon M. Jones Judy A. Joseph, MSN, RNDonna S. Kastner, RNJuliann Kavitski, BSN, RNEmily Knoll, RNKathleen M. Kochanski Margaret Laustrup, RNKaren LaVergne, RNElizabeth I Maddox, RNCathy L. Moon, RNCLinda Newberry, MSN, RNCynthia Nissen, MSN, RN, CETNMarcia Petersen, BSN, RNMahin Mary Piraka, RNKara Santona, RNMary Sauer, RNPamela Savage Melissa Schaetzka, BSN, RNCCarolyn Schubert Shelley J. Shelley Maureen Simkins Joyce Thomas Sally Jo Timmer, RNKathleen Vidal Mary T. Vondriska, RNIsabelle White Lila Wilson, RN CSusan E. York, RN

WelcomeNew Members

AMSN would like to extend a warm welcome to ournewest members! The following individuals joined ourranks between January 1 and March 31, 2002.


23

any hospitals are looking for ways toretain and recruit nurses, and researchshows that salaries and sign-on bonusesare only short-term solutions, if they

work at all. Employers who value professional devel-opment are seeking methods to honor and recognizemedical-surgical nurses’ commitment to their institu-tions. Sharing our membership discounts with nursingdirectors and recruiters could be a way that you canhelp AMSN and help employers retain their nurses.

The following are group membership rates thatapply to the $75 membership dues for full and associ-ate members.

SAVE $5 on each membershipwhen 5-9 people join at the same time . . . . . .Only $70 each



SAVE $25 on each membershipwhen 40 or more people join at the same time . . . . . .Only $50 each

For more information, please contact the AMSNNational Office.

During the 2002 Member-Get-A-Member Campaign, youcan earn one $5 coupon for EVERY NEW member you recruit. Ifyou recruit one new member to AMSN, you will earn onecoupon, if you recruit 25 new members you will earn 25coupons! There is no limit to the number of coupons you canearn. Coupons can be used toward your 2003 membership, con-vention registration, or toward product purchases. You may par-ticipate as an individual, a company/hospital, or as a chapter. Inaddition, you have the opportunity to earn the following bonusawards:

Level 1 - Recruit 1- 4 new membersYou will receive one $5 coupon for EVERY new memberyou recruit (a value of up to $20)

Level 2 - Recruit 5-9 new membersYou will receive 5-9 $5 coupons, PLUS an AMSN logopin (a value of up to $57)

Level 3 - Recruit 10-14 new membersYou will receive 10-14 $5 coupons, PLUS an AMSNLogo pin, PLUS a copy of the Scope and Standards ofMedical-Surgical Nursing Practice (a value of up to $92)

Level 4 - Recruit 15-24 new membersYou will receive 15-24 $5 coupons, PLUS an AMSN Logopin, PLUS a copy of the Scope and Standards of Medical-Surgical Nursing Practice, PLUS a copy of the 2nd Ed.Core Curriculum for Medical-Surgical Nursing ($192value)

It’s a Great Time to Promote AMSN Membership Discounts

emberM E M B E R

Get-A

M

C A M P A I G NLevel 5 - Recruit 25 or more new members

You will receive 25 (or more) $5 coupons, PLUS anAMSN Logo pin, PLUS a copy of the Scope andStandards of Medical-Surgical Nursing Practice, PLUS acopy of the 2nd Ed. Core Curriculum for Medical-Surgical Nursing, PLUS one Complimentary ConventionRegistration to AMSN’s 11th Annual Convention inWashington, DC (a value in excess of $522)

Encourage your friends and colleagues to join the onlyprofessional organization designed exclusively for medical-surgical nurses. Don’t forget to persuade your LPN and LVNcolleagues to join as Associate Members, too.

To be eligible for the incentives offered, please make surethat the “Who referred you to AMSN?” section on the mem-bership application is completed and a check payable toAMSN is included. The membership application may beduplicated for your convenience.

Benefits of AMSN Membership include:• Subscription to MEDSURG Nursing Journal• AMSN News subscription• Reduced “member prices”on all products and conven-

tion registration• MedSurg Nursing Connection subscription (electronic

newsletter)• Access to the “Members Only” section of the AMSN

Network, www.medsurgnurse.org• Networking and educational opportunities

Spread the word about AMSNby recruiting NEW members!

Share the benefits of membership with your friendsand colleagues. Recruit as many new members asyou can between now and September 30, 2002 toreceive special awards.

Combine the Membership Discounts and the Member-Get-A-Member Campaignfor an even greater value!

AJJ-0402-F-6M

AMSN News is indexed in the Cumulative Index to Nursing & Allied Health Literature

Sally Brozenec, PhD, RN, EditorSuzanne Stott, BS, Managing Editor

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Marlene L. Roman, MSN, RN, ARNPPresident

Doris Greggs-McQuilkin, MA, BSN, RNPresident-Elect

Diane Daddario, BSN, RN, BCSecretary

Kathleen Reeves, MSN, RN,CTreasurer

Mary Matice, RNNortheast Regional Director

Cynthia W. Ward, MS, RNCSouthern Regional Director

Kathleen A. Singleton, MSN, RN, CNSNorth Central Regional Director

Lee Northrup, BSN, RNWestern Regional Director

NursesNurturing

NursesNurses

NurturingNurses



The officalNewsletter of the

Presorted StandardUS POSTAGE

PAIDBellmawr, NJPERMIT #58

East Holly Avenue Box 56, Pitman, NJ 08071-0056 • [email protected] • www.medsurgnurse.org

mission:

vision:

© 2002 by Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses

Johnson and Johnson Goes theDistance for Nursing

On February 5, Johnson and Johnson Health Care Systems, Incorporated (J & J)held a reception at Union Station in Washington, D.C. to launch a nationwide ini-tiative to honor nurses. Many national nursing organizations, hospitals, and healthcare leaders were invited to preview how J & J plans to address the nursing shortage.

The project includes a 20 million-dollar advertising and promotional cam-paign called CAMPAIGN FOR NURSING’S FUTURE. The goal of the multi-yearprogram is to encourage individuals to enter the nursing profession. It includesfund-raisers, awards for those “caught in the act of caring,” scholarships, grants,and recruitment materials for schools, hospitals, and professional organizations.

The campaign’s recruitment advertising media includes television, printedpamphlets, and posters that feature men and women of varying ethnicities. Veryeffective television advertising messages, which show real nurses caught in theact of caring, began airing during the Winter Olympics. Eight different postersdepicting nurses as heroes; six 8-panel brochures that promote the image of nurs-ing and give basic information on how to become a nurse; logo pins; and a four-minute recruitment video featuring real nurses talking about their jobs, their lives,and what it means to them to be a nurse, as well as the national television adver-tisements, are available free of charge.

J & J believes that nursing is the essence of caring and feels it is critical to helpresolve the deepening nursing shortage in America. The company’s commitmentrepresents a top corporate priority to help resolve the shortage and their Credocommitment to nurses, the community, and to health care.

J & J clearly understands that the current shortage in nursing is a reality, andthat it will have a major impact on the entire health care system if nothing is doneto attract more people into the profession. They also realize that this type of cam-paign is necessary to change the public’s cynical attitude towards nursing, as wellas the negative image many people have of this profession.

For more information about this major campaign, or to order the promotionalmaterials, visit their Web site at www.discovernursing.com or call 888-981-9111.

Doris Greggs-McQuilkinPresident-Elect

MISSION:The Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses strives toenhance the knowledge, skills,and professionalism ofmedical-surgical/adult healthnurses in all practice settings.

VISION:The medical-surgical/adulthealth nurse is a valued healthcare professional and a vitalpart of the health carecontinuum committed toleadership, quality care andadvocacy for patients, theirfamilies and the community inwhich they live and work.N

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News

volume 11 - number 2 spring 2002 postpolio syndrome · 2013-02-04 · volume 11 - number 2 spring...

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