ANA applauds introduction of ICAN Act
The American Nurses Association (ANA) has joined with the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology, the American Association of Nurse Practitioners®, and the American College of Nurse-Midwives in strongly supporting the Improving Care and Access to Nurses (ICAN) Act. The organizations applauded the introduction of this legislation on Sept. 14 by Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-CA) and Rep. Dave Joyce (R-OH), which marks an important step in further recognizing the vital role advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) have in our nation’s healthcare system.
This key legislation will improve access to healthcare for millions of patients by removing administrative, practice, and other barriers currently faced by APRNs and their patients. The ICAN Act is consistent with recommendations from numerous healthcare stakeholders, including the National Academy of Medicine (NAM). In its report, The Future of Nursing 2020-2030: Charting a Path to Achieve Health Equity, NAM recommended that “all relevant state, federal and private organizations enable nurses to practice to the full extent of their education and training by removing practice barriers that prevent them from more fully addressing social needs and social determinants of health and improve healthcare access, quality, and value.”
“Nurses play a critical role in our healthcare delivery system, often by serving as the primary source of care in many communities. This is especially true of APRNs who were able to practice at the top of their license during the height of the pandemic, due to waivers granted by federal and state governments, and in doing so provided access to high-quality care for COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 patients alike,” said ANA President Ernest J. Grant, PhD, RN, FAAN.
Today, more than 200,000 APRNs are treating Medicare patients, and approximately 40% of Medicare beneficiaries receive care from APRNs. Congress removing barriers to care for the hundreds of thousands of APRNs and their millions of patients is essential to maximizing the ability of the U.S. healthcare workforce to meet the needs of patients and communities. The ICAN Act will improve access to healthcare by updating the Medicare and Medicaid programs, enabling APRNs to practice to the top of their education and clinical training. Visit rnaction.org to learn more about supporting this legislation.
Workshop details strategies for more effective leadership
Experienced nurse leaders interested in further developing their leadership skills will have the opportunity to do so through a 4-day interactive virtual workshop, Take Your Leadership to the Next Level. Offered by the American Nurses Association, this 12-hour program taking place December 5-8, 2022 aligns with the goals of both the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Magnet Recognition Program® and Pathway to Excellence® Program.
Nurses who are supervisors, directors, and managers will explore how to lead differently in a continually changing environment to motivate a diverse workforce, engage with patient populations, and thrive in a value-based reimbursement system.
In two sessions focused on leading self, presenter Ashley Amorello Kellish, DNP, RN, CCNS, a North Carolina Nurses Association member, will explore issues such as why leaders need to change to effectively manage in today’s healthcare environment, how to develop effective working relationships with younger generations of nurses, service line and interdisciplinary team leadership, and shared governance strategies to promote staff engagement. Two sessions involving leading the organization will consider transitioning into executive leadership roles and driving organizational change and innovation. Topics for these sessions range from leading with emotional intelligence and executing new initiatives with speed and sustainability to using decision support tools in organizational planning.
Nurses who complete this workshop successfully may be eligible to use the 12 CNE they will earn to obtain or renew their ANCC Nurse Executive certification. Enrollment is open until December 2. Learn more or register at pages.nursingworld.org/advancedleadership2022.
Not Today, Flu campaign aims to bolster vaccination coverage
The American Nurses Association (ANA), in collaboration with Sanofi and actor Jason Alexander, have launched the Not Today, Flu national flu vaccination campaign (nottodayflu.com/). The campaign encourages everyone who is eligible from 6 months and older to get their flu shot this season.
Despite the risk of flu and flu-related complications, less than half of eligible Americans get their flu shot annually, with millions remaining unprotected. ANA is urging everyone to follow the scientific evidence supporting flu vaccination and the guidance of nurses and healthcare professionals. All people eligible should get their flu vaccination and encourage their loved ones to do the same.
“Every day, things come up that you have no control over, and they can really ruin your plans—the flights getting cancelled, deliveries not arriving, your computer freezes, it rains. It can all make you just a little crazy. So, when there’s something I can do to help take back control, I do. Like getting the flu shot,” Alexander said.
The United States may face a resurgence of the flu this season, with an unprecedented risk of possible severe COVID-19 and flu co-infections due to low immunity against influenza and the relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions. Flu can lead to potentially life-threatening complications, including pneumonia or serious heart conditions. Not Today, Flu seeks to drive awareness around the importance of flu vaccination and the urgency to vaccinate as many people as possible.
“The flu shot is more vital now than ever to help protect ourselves and our communities against the flu and its related complications. We’re still working to manage the COVID-19 pandemic while facing other emerging viral threats to public health,” said ANA President Ernest J. Grant, PhD, RN, FAAN. “The best way to help reduce the burden of flu on the healthcare system is to get your flu vaccine as recommended by your nurses and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.”
Join the Go Green and Eat Clean Challenge
Healthy Nurse, Healthy Nation™ (HNHN) is kicking off November with the Go Green and Eat Clean Challenge. This 10-day challenge, powered by Morrison Healthcare, a Division of Compass One Healthcare, offers practical tips for nurses to make food choices that optimize both their personal health and the health of the environment.
Research shows that 70% of Americans think climate change is a serious threat. One way to make a difference is through clean, sustainable eating. However, figuring out how to eat healthily while remaining green can be confusing and overwhelming. The Go Green and Eat Clean Challenge, running from November 7 to 18, will give simple and straightforward suggestions for making an impact.
Sponsored by the ANA Enterprise, HNHN offers challenges throughout the year that provide insights and activities for nurses across six domains, including mental health, nutrition, physical activity, quality of life, rest, and safety. During each challenge, participants share their stories and experiences, adding to the camaraderie and community spirit of the challenge.
For more than 5 years HNHN—a free nurses’ wellness program open to everyone—has been engaging participants with rich and varied content that inspires action, cultivates friendly competition, provides information and resources, gathers data, and connects nurses with each other and with employers and organizations. In addition to challenges, HNHN offers discussion boards, contests, blogs, and materials for further exploration, all with the goal of improving the health of the nation’s 4.3 million registered nurses—one nurse at a time. Sign up at hnhn.org, and text healthynurse to 52-886 to receive challenge tips via text.
