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Phone 334-262-8321alabamanurses.orgN urseSeptember, October, November 2016 Volume 43 Issue 3Provided to Alabama’s Nursing Community and Funded by the Alabama State Nurses Association.Quarterly publication direct mailed to more than 84,000 Registered Nurses and Licensed Practical Nurses in AlabamaAlabama State Nurses Association 360 North Hull Street Montgomery, AL 36104Inside Alabama NurseHappyVeteran’sDay!Page 10MembershipChallenge: DidYou Know?Pages 11-12IndexASNA Board of Directors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2CE Corner. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-15CONVENTION REGISTRATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7ED’s Notes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4LPN Corner. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2ASNA.Passing the Gavel to aNew President in OctoberASNA Welcomes IncomingPresident Rebecca Huie, DNP,RN, ACNP, VHA-CM. PresidentBrian Buchmann, MSN, MBA,RN will be ending his twoyear term at the ASNA AnnualConvention in October and willpass the gavel to the Presidentelect, Rebecca Huie.Dr. Huie has 18 years of nursingexperience. She completed herAssociate Degree in Nursing (ADN)in 1996 at Wallace State Community Brian BuchmannCollege in Hanceville, Alabama;Bachelors of Science in Nursing(BSN) in 2006 at the University ofAlabama in Birmingham (UAB);Masters of Science in Nursing (MSN)at UAB in 2011, specializing as anAcute Care Nurse Practitioner andRegistered Nurse First Assistant; andDoctorate Degree in Nursing at UABin 2012. She also has experience inwound care and long-term healthand is a Basic Cardiac Life Support(BCLS) instructor at both the facilityRebecca Huieand community level.Dr. Huie’s career at theBirmingham Veteran’s Administration Medical Center(BVAMC) began in 2004 as a Staff Nurse on a medicalsurgical nursing unit, where she quickly was promotedto Charge Nurse. In 2006 she transitioned to the SICUto obtain critical care nursing experience and, in 2007,accepted the position of Charge Nurse. In 2012 shebecame Nurse Manager responsible for several PrimaryCare Clinics.For over 103 years, ASNA has served and advocatedfor nurses of all specialties and settings of care. ASNA isfortunate to have had quality leadership throughout theassociation from the academic, administrative, advancedpractice, and clinical nurse backgrounds over the years. AsDirector of Primary Care for the Birmingham VA, Dr. Huieunderstands the challenges nurses face every day as well aspolicy and political issues that impact nursing practice. Inher role with the VA, she is also responsible for Communitybased Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs) across central andnorthern Alabama. A strong advocate for better access tocare and fewer encumbrances on the nurses’ primary focusof quality patient care, Dr. Huie will continue ASNA’smission to promote excellence in nursing.Dr. Huie stated, “Brian Buchmann has been anexcellent president and mentor. The ASNA system tohave a president-elect shadow the president during theirtwo-year term is an effective way to prepare the nextpresident and insure a smooth transition at end of term.Brian’s passion is contagious. His authentic commitmentto the needs of Alabama nurses and the work he has donehas been a key factor in ASNA’s 200 member increaseduring his term! I look forward to the opportunity towork with our members, schools of nursing, other nursingorganizations and public officials in continuing the legacyof Brian and previous presidents.”A Tribute To ASNA Attorney andYOUR Nurse Advocate, Don EddinsWould you like for ASNA to send you 300.00? For morethan 16 years each ASNA member has had the privilege ofone-hour FREE legal counsel with our attorney, Don Eddins,Membership News. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-12for ANY PERSONAL MATTER! One hour annually withan attorney is worth at least 300.00 cash. Over his yearsPresident’s Message. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3of service, if a member needed to have or refresh aWill Don would help. If a member had an “issue”with a home service provider, such as plumber Tribute to ASNA Attorney . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1Don would help. If a member needed counselbecause they couldn’t get a neighbor to move afallen tree limb off their garage Donwas there. If a member experienced“sexual harassment” at work and didn’tNon-Profit Org.know what to do Don was availableU.S. Postage PaidPrinceton, MNfor counsel. And when some membersPermit No. 14needed an attorney to help in theircurrent resident ordefense before the Board of Nursing overa license-threating issue Don was there!(Normal attorney fees for a lengthy BON defensecould amount to more than 5,000 but for ASNAmembers 0 charge from Don Eddins.This past July, Don suffered a stroke.Thankfully, he is doing well in his recovery.His wife, Nikki is an RN and long-time ASNAmember. As a family member, she along with themedical and rehab team have helped Don make significantprogress. Don’s positive attitude and determination havealso been huge factors in achieving maximum successthrough the rehab process. In fact, he has already begunto resume work and family responsibilities. In additionto his law practice, Don publishes a newspaper,The Auburn Villager. He wrote a feature articlerecently, while in rehab! Nurses – you have anoutstanding advocate in Don Eddins.Don has written a “legal issues for nurses”column in The Alabama Nurse for manyyears. For this edition, we are taking theopportunity to THANK HIM FOR HIS HUGECONTRIBUTION TO NURSES AND THENURSING PROFESSION. You see, in additionto providing ASNA and our members with legalservices, Don serves as an ASNA lobbyist. He hasbeen instrumental in advocating for or against bills inthe Alabama Legislature that would either help or hindernurses in providing quality care for patients. Have you everheard of the Alabama Education Association (AEA)? Donserved as a lobbyist with AEA for many years before ASNA.In fact, he wrote a book entitled “AEA Head of the Class inTribute continued on page 2
Page 2 The Alabama NurseTribute continued from page 1Alabama Politics.” Again, we are truly fortunate to have suchan experienced lobbyist and attorney to represent nurses.Don will continue to provide legal services for ASNA andour members. And, he will resume writing his legal column inthe next edition of The Alabama Nurse. He is a humble man,glad to serve and doesn’t seek recognition. However, we staffat the ASNA office think it would be nice for him to hear thewords “thank you” from nurses across the state. If you wouldlike to send Don a card, address it:Don Eddins, C/O Alabama State Nurses Association360 North Hull StreetMontgomery, Alabama 36104LPNCornerAre We There Yet?Gregory Howard, LPN“Are you on the roadtocommitmenttoyourProfessional Organization?”The need for Nurses to jointheir Professional Organizationis still very crucial. Whois going to speak for yourprofession and your practice,if you don’t do your part? Westill find that Nurses fail tosee the importance as well asthe advantages of joining theirProfessional Organization, untilthey have a problem that involve their license. And at thispoint it is probably too late to get help as a non-member ofa professional group. Being on the roll has its advantagesin getting help prior to having a problem. It insures theindividual, support and all the help that can be providedthrough the organization.All who can, should be active or at least a memberof their Professional Organization to insure a steadypool of qualified people to serve on the Alabama Boardof Nursing, to represent and speak on behalf of yourprofession. My advice is step up to the plate and hit a homerun by joining today.I know that, no matter how bad things seem, life goeson and we hope for a better tomorrow. You are that hopewhen you commit to joining and then you serve also.“People will forget what you said, will forget what youdid but will never forget how you made them feel.” BeUnforgettable and join your Professional Group so that thecurrent members can “feel secure.”September, October, November 2016The Alabama Nurse Publication Schedule for 2016IssueDec/Jan/Feb 2017Material Due to ASNA OfficeOctober 24, 2016Guidelines for Article DevelopmentThe ASNA welcomes articles for publication.There is no payment for articles published inThe Alabama Nurse.1. Articles should be Microsoft Word using a12 point font.2. Article length should not exceed five (5) pages8 x 11.3. All references should be cited at the end of thearticle.4. Articles (if possible) should be submittedelectronically.Submissions should be sent to:edasna@alabamanurses.orgorEditor, The Alabama NurseAlabama State Nurses Association360 North Hull StreetMontgomery, AL 36104ASNA Board of DirectorsPresident:President-Elect:Vice President:Secretary:Treasurer:District 1:District 2:District 3:District 4:Brian Buchmann, MSN, RN, MBARebecca Huie, DNP, ACNPCarthenia Jefferson, BSN, RN,JD, ESQLindsey Harris, MSN, FNP-BCDebbie Litton, DNP, RN, MBASarah Wilkinson, MSN, RNJulie Savage Jones, MSN, RN, CNEWanda Spillers, DNP, RN, CCMBridget Moore, DNP, NEA-BC,RNC-IC, MBAMaggie Antoine, MEd, RNDistrict 5:Commission onProfessional Issues: Marilyn Sullivan, DSN, RN, CPE,FCN, ChairParlimentarian:Sue Morgan, PhD, RNASNA StaffExecutive Director, Dr. John C. Ziegler, MA, D. MINDirector Leadership Services,Charlene Roberson, MEd, RN-BCASNA Attorney, Don Eddins, JDAdministrative Coordinator, Betty ChamblissPrograms Coordinator, April Bishop, BS, ASITASNA reserves the right to not publish submissions.Our Visionwww.alabamanurses.orgASNA is the professional voice of allregistered nurses in Alabama.Published by:Arthur L. DavisPublishing Agency, Inc.Condolences:The family of Maynit Weatherly.The family of Pearl Black Freeman.Our Values Modeling professional nursing practices to othernursesAdhering to the Code of Ethics for NursesBecoming more recognizably influential as anassociationUnifying nursesAdvocating for nursesPromoting cultural diversityPromoting health parityAdvancing professional competencePromoting the ethical care and the human dignity ofevery personMaintaining integrity in all nursing careersOur MissionThe new NURSE PLATINUM VISA CARD helpsAlabama nurses get the “credit” they deserve!You may have missed an untoldamount of discounts becausecashiers don’t realize you are a nurse. Now,when you use your NURSE PLATINUM VISA CARDfor purchases BAM!! NO MISSED DISCOUNTS! ASNAis proud to introduce Alabama’s first NURSE PLATINUMVISA CARD. Like the auto license plates it features thetheme “Nurses Save Lives.” And, like the car tags the cardis available to all 93,000 Alabama nurses with no stringsattached to membership in a professional organization.That’s right, you don’t have to be an ASNA memberto get one. You just go to alabamanurses.org click on theAlabamanursePUBLICATIONcard image and you will go to the Visa application pageinstantly. This is off-site from ASNA’s web page and ASNAhas no access to any personal or financial information.It’s all between you and the bank from that point forward.There is a small fee that ASNA receives to support thenursing profession. The fee does not diminish in any way,cardholder benefits that are great! So, you can get a coolNURSE PLATINUM VISA CARD with tons of competitivecardholder benefits, receive extra discounts from many storesand help nursing all at the same time. Check out the NURSEPLATINUM VISA CARD ad on page 3 of the AlabamaNurse and go for it!ASNA is committed to promoting excellence in nursing.AdvertisingFor advertising rates and information, please contactArthur L. Davis Publishing Agency, Inc., 517 WashingtonStreet, PO Box 216, Cedar Falls, Iowa 50613, (800) 6264081, sales@aldpub.com. ASNA and the Arthur L. DavisPublishing Agency, Inc. reserve the right to reject anyadvertisement. Responsibility for errors in advertising islimited to corrections in the next issue or refund of price ofadvertisement.Acceptance of advertising does not imply endorsement orapproval by the Alabama State Nurses Association of productsadvertised, the advertisers, or the claims made. Rejectionof an advertisement does not imply a product offered foradvertising is without merit, or that the manufacturer lacksintegrity, or that this association disapproves of the productor its use. ASNA and the Arthur L. Davis Publishing Agency,Inc. shall not be held liable for any consequences resultingfrom purchase or use of an advertiser’s product. Articlesappearing in this publication express the opinions of theauthors; they do not necessarily reflect views of the staff,board, or membership of ASNA or those of the national orlocal associations.The Alabama Nurse is published quarterly every March,June, September and December for the Alabama State NursesAssociation, 360 North Hull Street, Montgomery, AL 36104 Copyright by the Alabama State Nurses Association.Alabama State Nurses Association is a constituentmember of the American Nurses Association.
September, October, November 2016The Alabama Nurse Page 3The President’smessageIt’s Hello, Not Farewell!Brian Buchmann, MSN, RN, MBAHello Alabama nurses! Thank you for what you do eachday in making patients and families lives better. This is mylast article as ASNA President as my two year term will endthis October. It has truly been my pleasure to serve Alabamanurses at the local, state, and national level. There have beenmany ASNA accomplishments during my term such as: beinginstrumental in helping pass the Bill for the APRN LoanRepayment Program, standing against certified mid-wife(not a nurse) legislation to practice in Alabama, representingAlabama nurses at the American Nurses AssociationMembership Assembly and at the Lobby Day in WashingtonD.C., huge increase in ASNA membership, financial stability,new improved website, nurses car-tag growth, new ASNAcredit card, meeting our strategic goals of improving our nursing image and providingcutting-edge continuing education, and many ASNA members are representing youby serving on state and national committees. When I reflect on what has been done,I can’t help to think about what else needs to be done and could be accomplished withyour involvement.I know most of you are aware that our healthcare system is always changing and isin need of many improvements. There are so many issues that need to be addressedsuch as: the nursing shortage and nurses working in short-staffing environments,restricted scope of practice, more access to care, continual improvement to the qualityand safety of patient care, our state Medicaid problems, and many more. Theseissues will NOT improve unless nurses are involved in making changes! That meansour nursing profession, our healthcare system, and those we serve need US to beINVOLVED!There is no better time than now to get involved. Don’t continue to put it offthinking someone else will do it. We need YOU! ASNA continues to be the voice forall Alabama Nurses. Come join our ASNA team and let’s work together to lead theway for healthcare improvements! My hope is that this article won’t be my farewell butinstead, will stimulate you to be involved. Therefore, the next time I communicate withyou it will be a HELLO, I look forward in working with you!As your ASNA President, I would like to keep you informed of ASNA activitiesand ways you can be active in ASNA and our nursing profession. Please review thefollowing list of updates and upcoming ASNA activities: 2016 ASNA/AANS Annual Convention – this annual event will be ourbest ever. This year it is taking place at the beautiful Bridge Street Westin,Huntsville, AL. There will be great continuing education, activities, band,and networking. You don’t want to miss this opportunity! Nurse Car Tag – “Nurses Save Lives” – Car Tags are Available! Remember,the money created from car tags will go to the Alabama Nurse Foundation(ANF). The ANF is a non-profit ASNA set up years ago for promoting theprofession, education, and nursing scholarships. Visit our ASNA website – https://alabamanurses.org/join/I would like to encourage you to be active within your ASNA District. YourDistrict is where you build relationships, do community-service, network, attendcontinuing education events, and receive more ASNA communication. Pleasecontact your District Presidents below regarding your District activities andinvolvement: District 1 – Sarah Wilkinson, MSN, BSN, BA, RN – swilkinsonrn@yahoo.com District 2 – Julie Savage Jones, MSN, RN – juliesavagejones@yahoo.com District 3 – Wanda Spillers, DNP, RN, CCM, NE-BC – jilmin33@yahoo.com District 4 – Bridget Moore, DNP, NEA-BC, RNC-IC, MBA – bmoore@southalabama.edu District 5 – Maggie Antoine MED, BSN, RN – maggieantoine@charter.netContinuing Education ClassesAmerican Heart Association Basic Life Support (CPR) Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)Short Term Programs Emergency Medical Technician Emergency Medical Technician AdvancedSTATE OF ALABAMA DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTHLPNs, RNs and NURSE PRACTITIONERSNOW HIRING AT ITS 3 FACILITIES INTUSCALOOSA, ALABAMABRYCE HOSPITAL ADULTPSYCHIATRIC FACILITYMARY STARKE HARPERGERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY CENTERTAYLOR HARDIN SECUREMEDICAL FACILITYExcellent State Benefits.Visit ADMH Website @ www.mh.alabama.govfor Job Announcements and Facility Information.Mail/Hand Deliver Applications to FacilitiesROBERT BENTLEYGOVERNOREOEJAMES V. PERDUECOMMISSIONER
Page 4 The Alabama NurseSeptember, October, November 2016Pin Site Care for theOrthopedic PatientSome orthopedic injuries require that a brace, skeletaltraction or external fixation device be placed. This requirespins to pass through the skin and muscle and into the bone.When this occurs, it is very important that the pin and pinsites are cared for to prevent infection. Pin site care is theprocess of cleaning the pin and the skin around the pinwhere it enters the body. The physician may have specificinstructions for pin care but below is the basic instructions. Perform pin site care twice a day Gather your supplies.o Gloveso Sterile cupo Sterile cotton swabs-about 3 for each pino Sterile gauzeo Cleaning solution (sterile water or half normalsaline and half hydrogen peroxide) Wash and dry hands thoroughly, put on gloves Pour cleaning solution in the sterile cup and place halfof the cotton swabs in the solution to moisten the ends Using a clean swab on each pin, start cleaning atthe pin site and move away from the pin as youclean. Move the swab in a circle around the pinand make the circle larger as you move away fromthe pin site. Remove any dried drainage or debris from yourskin using a swab. Using a new swab or gauze clean the pin by startingat the pin site and moving up the pin. Once you are through cleaning use either a drygauze or swab in the same way to dry the pin.ReferenceLethaby, A., Temple, J., Santy-Tomlinson J. Pin site care forpreventing infections associated with external bonefixators and pins.BirminghamNursing and Rehabilitation Center, LLCLooking for qualifiedLPNs, RNs & CNAsto work in a lovingenvironmentContact Mattie Banks at sThe E.D.’s NotesDoes Nursing Need A Band-Aid Or Surgery?John C Ziegler, MA, D., MINWhy are many nurses losingtheir passion for nursing? In arecent national poll, more than50% of nurses said they wouldchoose a career other thannursing, if they had it to do overagain. I wrote about this in thelast edition of The AlabamaNurse and suggested that beingengaged in ASNA/ANA couldbe a lifeline for nurses whofelt isolated and disillusioned.Soon after the article waspublished, I received a letterfrom an experienced, yet disillusioned nurse. He gave mepermission to print his letter. I have shortened it slightlybut the words included are verbatim. Please email me yourfeedback. If this is widespread, we must do something!!!My personal email is: edasna@alabamanurses.org.Dear Dr. Ziegler,Your article entitled, “Need to Revive Your Passionfor Being a Nurse? ASNA can Help.” caught my eye. Icertainly identify with the 50 % who said they wouldNOT choose nursing as a career if given a do-over. Yes, Iam one of the disillusioned. Nursing is a noble calling andits ranks are filled with an incredible number of smart,dedicated and compassionate people. 365 days a year, 24hours a day, nurses make an immeasurable contributionto our health care system. In my view, this contributiongoes unappreciated by many including those in leadershippositions in the health care field.Having held a number of nursing positions over theyears, I could elaborate at length on this subject. But letme list just a few factors that contribute to nurse burnoutand loss of passion: Endemic understaffing of the bedside nurse Below-market wages Lack of respect from health care administrators whooften discount the voice of nurses Fostering of a “checkbox” mentality when it comesto patient care as opposed to thoughtful patientassessment and critical thinking Bombardment of well-intentioned, but oftennonsensical, compliance measures Ever-increasing demands on the nurse’s time that donot relate to quality patient care Failure of nursing leaders to effectively advance theconcerns of nursesI agree with your conclusion that being an activemember of an organization like the Alabama State NursesAssociation is a step in the right direction. Being part ofa caring nursing “family” is important, but much moreneeds to be done.I worked for over eight years as an emergency/criticalcare nurse and achieved advanced accreditations. Theaccompanying knowledge, skills and experience isconsiderable. Now, as I choose to EXIT NURSING for thereasons described above, I feel some guilt in letting allthat effort go. But, the sad part is that no one in the healthcare system really cares. There is little, if no effort put intoretaining the highly experienced, but disillusioned nurse.It’s probably just easier to replace us with a newly mintednurse whose passion is fresh. Certainly, this is a Band-Aidapproach to a problem that requires a surgical solution.Respectfully submitted,Bill Green, RNBack to me John Z. I would like to thank Billfor his years of service as a nurse and for writing thisletter. I want to know YOUR THOUGHTS about theitems he mentioned. Send YOUR COMMENTS to:edasna@alabamanurses.org. They will be confidential.If his letter speaks to you and YOU WANT TOIMPROVE THE NURSING ENVIRONMENT, JOINASNA. As Bill said, “It’s a step in the right direction.” Byadding your voice to this heralded 103-year-old, cuttingedge professional organization – YOU CAN PROVOKECHANGE. If you do nothing nursing will be pushedalong by the powers that be. Remember, when decisionsare being made if you’re not at the table you may be onthe menu!
September, October, November 2016The Alabama Nurse Page 5LOTTERY OR NOLOTTERY?“Like” and “Comment”on ASNA’s Facebook page.The Governor’s Office asked ASNA for theopinions of Alabama Nurses about the issue ofusing A LOTTERY TO HELP FULLY FUNDMEDICAID’s 85 m. Shortfall in the 2017Alabama General Fund Budget. Go to alabamanurses.org Click on the FB box at the top Then like and commentAround the World andHome for ChristmasThis year’s auction is a big departure from the“normal” silent auctions. This year we have anauctioneer from Tennessee coming down to helpus have a fun, lively LIVE auction. We have basketswith items from Japan, an International candiesbasket, diamond rings, a ruby ring, an emerald anddiamond ring, pearls and several Christmas basketsfull of goodies. In addition we’ll have many awesomebaskets from local hospitals and our five districts.The “piece de resistance” is a first edition of FlorenceNightingale’s “Notes On Nursing” and several otherhistorical nursing books. We want you to go homewith memories of a fun auction and maybe somethingthat you love. Best of all, in addition to having agood time, you’ll be helping ASNA raise money fornursing scholarships! See you on Friday evening, Oct14th at 6PM in the Westin Ballroom. BRING YOURCHECKS, CASH, or CREDIT CARDS.ALABAMA NURSESFOUNDATIONYour Gift can Make a Difference forNurses in AlabamaConsider making a Tax-Deductible donation to the AlabamaNurses Foundation. Yes, your donation can help supportfellow nurses with school expenses to advance their educationwith a BSN, Master‘s, or doctoral degree. We all know howtuition and school associated cost continue to rise. This taxdeductible gift allows the Alabama Nurses Foundation toaward more scholarships for our future nurse leaders.Be comfortable at work!The perfect scrub pant for those who live in yoga pants.Yoga scrub pants by MC2 are so comfortable you’llneed a pair for home and for work. They have the sameAnother way to make a tremendous difference to AlabamaEZ-FLEX fabric you’ve come to love from the rest ofNurses is to honor then with a monetary gift to the AlabamaNurses Foundation. Consider a friend, mentor, colleague whois or has made a difference in your life. Send a donation inhonor of them. The Alabama Nurses Foundation will send therecipient a letter notifying them of your donation.Med Couture’s line, with the added comfort of a knitYOU MAY DONATE BY CLICKING THE“FOUNDATION” TAB AT alabamanurses.org.waistband. Front side pockets, double cargo pocketsand an extra accessory pocket mean these pants aren’t juststylish, they’re highly functional.Try a pair today!Available now at
Page 6 The Alabama NurseSeptember, October, November 2016Is It Against the Law for Any Nurse Other Than Public HealthNurses to Fill Patients’ Weekly Medication Containers?The Alabama State Nurses Association (ASNA)Committee on Professional Issues (COPI) began workingon current practice issues for the coming year. The intentof this article is to keep the nurses of the State informedof a practice issue of which they may not be aware. Onereal concern involves the interpretation by the AlabamaBoard of Nursing (ABN) regarding the legality of nursestransferring medications from patient prescription bottlesinto a pill planner for future administration by the patientor caregiver. However, nurses are able to educate patients,families, or caregivers on transferring medications toweekly or monthly pill planners but are unable to put themedications in the planners for them.The basis for this ruling begins with the AdministrativeCode of the ABN where the scope of practice in Chapter610-X-6-.04(4c) and (4d) for the professional nurse andChapter 610-X-6-.05(3c) and (3d) for the practical nurse“includes but is not limited to state and federal statutes, andregulations” (p. 6-8, 6-10). In addition to this document, theABN bases the nurse’s ability to prefill medication plannerson the Code of Alabama 1975, Practice of PharmacyAct 205 § 34-23-1(24), which defines a repackager as “aperson who purchases or acquires from a manufacturer ordistributor, a drug, medicine, chemical, or poison for thepurpose of bottling, labeling, or otherwise repackagingfor sale or distribution. This definition shall not apply to aphysician licensed to practice medicine who as a part of hisor her professional practice dispenses, administers, sells orotherwise distributes any drug to a patient” (p. 4).Another concern is the accountability of the nursefollowing the service of transferring medications for thepatient. The American Nurses Association (ANA) (2016)endorsed a position statement by the American Academyof Ambulatory Care Nursing which states that registerednurses are completely accountable for all services in anyambulatory setting and for the outcomes of the patients.Patients typically requiring assistance with medicationsbeing transferred to pill planners would be those who havedifficulty reading, opening bottles, understanding when andhow to take medications, or lack someone to assist themthroughout the day to take their medications. Without pillplanners they are left to take their medications correctlywithout assistance. This could lead to potential problems ofnot taking the correct medication(s), at the correct time(s),the correct amount or dosage, or for the right reason. It isagreed that the nurse should appropriately reconcile thepatient’s medications, assess the patient’s response to themedications, provide education to the patient and caregiverabout the medications and potential effects or side effects,and when to call. If filling pill planners were found to bewithin the scope of practice for nurses in Alabama, thiscould possibly decrease the amount of adverse drug eventsrelated to patients who have difficulty with this task or whodo not have any family or caregivers to assist them.To compound these issues the Practice of PharmacyAct § 34-23-11 states “Physicians, dentists, registerednurses, etc., exempt from chapter. (a) Nothing contained inthis chapter shall prevent any licensed practitioner of thehealing arts from personally compounding, dispensing,administering, or supplying to his or her patient drugs andmedicines for their use.” And later the in § 34-23-11(b)seems to exempt Public Health nurses stating “A registerednurse in the employment of the State Health Departmentof a county health department may, in the provision ofhealth care services, dispense legend drugs as provided inthis section under the standing orders or direct supervisionof a physician licensed to practice medicine in this stateand pursuant to procedures established by the Board ofPharmacy and implemented by a pharmacist licensed topractice pharmacy in this state. The nurse may dispensethe legend drugs for the treatment of tuberculosis, sexuallytransmitted diseases, family planning, hypertension, andother programs if approved by the State Board of Pharmacy.The dispensing of the drugs shall meet all la
Alabama in Birmingham (UAB); Masters of Science in Nursing (MSN) at UAB in 2011, specializing as an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and Registered Nurse First Assistant; and Doctorate Degree in Nursing at UAB in 2012. She also has experience in wound care and long-term health and is a Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) instructor at both the facility
