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Vital SignsANA Makes New RecommendationThat All Nurses Should Be ImmunizedAgainst Vaccine-Preventable DiseasesThe American Nurses Association (ANA) is calling forall individuals, including registered nurses (RNs), tobe immunized against vaccine-preventable diseases,with the only exemptions being for medical or religiousreasons.ANA’s new position onimmunization alignswith recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control andPrevention (CDC) and theAdvisory Committee on Immunization Practices, a CDCpanel of medical and publichealth experts that advises vaccine use. ANA’s re-examinationof its position was promptedpartly by outbreaks of measlescases this year that affected unvaccinated adults and children.“ANA’s new position alignsregistered nurses with the bestcurrent evidence on immunization safety and preventing diseases such as measles,”says ANA President Pamela F.Cipriano, PhD, RN, NEA-BC,FAAN. “A critical componentof a nurse’s job is to educatepatients and their family members about the effectiveness ofimmunization as a safe methodof disease prevention to protectnot only individuals, but alsothe public health.”During the first sevenmonths of 2015, the CDCsaid 183 people from morethan 20 states were reportedto have measles, with five outbreaks resulting in the majority of those cases. In 2000, theUnited States had declared thatmeasles was eliminated fromthe country as a result of aneffective measles vaccine anda strong vaccination programfor children.Health care personnel whorequest exemption for religiousbeliefs or medical contraindications—a condition or fac-tor that serves as a reason towithhold an immunization dueto the harm it would cause—should provide documentationfrom “the appropriate authority” supporting the request.Individuals who are grantedexemption “may be requiredto adopt measures or practices in the workplace to reducethe chance of disease transmission” to patients and others,the new policy says.ANA’s position on immu-www.minoritynurse.comnization for health care personnel aligns with the newlyrevised Code of Ethics for Nurses with Interpretive Statements,which says RNs have an ethicalresponsibility to “model thesame health maintenance andhealth promotion measuresthat they teach and research,”including immunization.Source: American Nurses AssociationMinority Nurse Magazine@MinorityNurse5

Vital SignsCDC Study Shows 1 in 5 Adults inthe United States Live with a DisabilityIn the United States, over 53 million adults have adisability, according to a new study published by theCenters for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Themost common functional disability type was a mobilitylimitation—defined as serious difficulty walking orclimbing stairs—reported by 1 in 8 adults, followedby disability in thinking and/or memory, independentliving, vision, and self-care.The researchers foundthat the highest percentages of peoplewith disabilities aregenerally in Southern states:Alabama (31.5%), Mississippi (31.4%), and Tennessee(31.4%). The report did notdetermine why differences occur by state; however, states inthe South tend to have someof the higher rates of chronicdiseases, such as heart diseaseand diabetes, which may alsobe associated with disability.“We are all at risk of having a disability at some pointin our lifetime,” says CDCDirector Tom Frieden, MD,6Minority Nurse FALL 2015MPH. “Health professionalsand health care systems needto meet the needs of this growing population.”The report also revealed thatnon-Hispanic black (29%) andHispanic (25.9%) adults weremore likely to have a disabilitythan were white non-Hispanic (20.6%) adults. Those withlower education levels and lower incomes, and those who areunemployed were also morelikely to report a disability.“For the past 25 years, theAmericans with DisabilitiesAct has made a positive difference in the lives of thosewho have disabilities by ensur-ing better access to buildings,transportation, and employment. Access to preventivehealth care is also criticallyimportant for those with disabilities,” says Georgina Peacock, MD, MPH, Director ofCDC’s Division of HumanDevelopment and Disability.“Many of the health issuesthat people with disabilitiesface may be addressed by making sure they have access tohealth promotion programsand health care services, including preventive healthscreenings, throughout theirlifespan.”The CDC is committed toprotecting the health andwell-being of people withdisabilities throughout theirlives. Through its state-baseddisability and health programsand national collaborations,the CDC will continue to workto reduce health disparitiesfaced by people with disabilities by facilitating their inclusion in public health surveys,public health programs, emer-gency preparedness and planning efforts, and accessiblehealth care services. To worktoward this goal, the CDCprovides data, information,and resources for public healthpractitioners, health care providers, and people interestedin the health and well-being ofpeople with disabilities.Although disability information has been collectedin national surveys for manyyears, this was the first timethat functional disability typewas included in the Behavioral Risk Factor SurveillanceSystem (BRFSS). The BRFSS isan annual, state-based telephone survey conducted bystates in collaboration withthe CDC that gathers information on demographics, healthstatus, health behaviors, anddisabilities.More information about theCDC’s work to support inclusive public health and healthcare settings is available atwww.cdc.gov/disabilities.

Making RoundsOctoberNovemberFebruary15-175-624-27Annual Conference on Transforming Health, Driving PolicyGrand Hyatt WashingtonWashington, District Of ColumbiaInfo: 202-777-1170E-mail: info@AANnet.orgWebsite: www.aannet.org/20152015 Interdisciplinary ConferenceCatholic University of AmericaWashington, District of ColumbiaInfo: 217-328-0405E-mail: support@agingandsociety.comWebsite: http://agingandsociety.com/2015-conference30th Annual ConferenceColonial Williamsburg LodgeWilliamsburg, VirginiaInfo: 877-314-7677E-mail: info@snrs.orgWebsite: www.snrs.org/2016annual-conference23-266-846th Annual ConferenceRio All-Suites Hotel & CasinoLas Vegas, NevadaInfo: 888-827-7862E-mail: suna@ajj.comWebsite: www.suna.org/event/2015-annual-conference2015 Annual World CongressOmni William Penn HotelPittsburgh, PennsylvaniaInfo: 412-344-1414E-mail: isongHQ@msn.comWebsite: www.isong.org28-31Transcultural Nursing SocietySigma Theta Tau International,Honor Society of Nursing41st Annual ConferenceRed Lion Hotel/Jantzen BeachPortland, OregonInfo: 888-432-5470E-mail: staff@tcns.orgWebsite: www.tcns.org43rd Biennial ConventionAria Resort and CasinoLas Vegas, NevadaInfo: 888-634-7575E-mail: events@stti.orgWebsite: www.nursingsociety.org28-3113-1529th Annual ConferenceDisney’s Coronado Springs ResortLake Buena Vista, FloridaInfo: 855-863-2762E-mail: lhoop@apna.orgWebsite: www.apna.org2015 Annual ConferenceHyatt Regency Jacksonville RiverfrontJacksonville, FloridaInfo: 877-966-6236E-mail: oadn@oadn.orgWebsite: www.noadn.orgAmerican Academy of NursingSociety of Urologic Nursesand AssociatesAmerican PsychiatricNurses AssociationAging and SocietyInternational Society ofNurses in Genetics7-11National Organization forAssociate Degree NursingSouthern Nursing Research SocietyMarch3-5National Association ofClinical Nurse Specialists2016 Annual ConferenceLoews Philadelphia HotelPhiladelphia, PennsylvaniaInfo: 215-320-3881E-mail: info@nacns.orgWebsite: http://nacns.org4-7Asian American Pacific IslanderNurses Association2016 Conference at Sea3-day Baja Mexico CruiseCarnival Inspiration (Port: LosAngeles, California, at Long Beach)E-mail: info@aapina.orgWebsite: http://aapina.org31 - November 4American Public Health Association143rd Annual Meeting and ExpositionMcCormick PlaceChicago, IllinoisInfo: 202-777-2742E-mail: annualmeeting@apha.orgWebsite: inority Nurse Magazine@MinorityNurse7

Letter to the EditorIwanted to comment on a wonderful story you published in the 2015 summer issuenoting the extraordinary accomplishments of Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnsonof Texas.I had the fortuitous honor to meet Congresswoman Johnson at a Nurses Week celebration at Parkland Health & HospitalSystem in Dallas. As the new executive vice president and chief nursing officer at Parkland, I was impressed withCongresswoman Johnson’s background, leadership role in Congress, nursing leadership at the VA, commitment to herconstituents, and honorable understated demeanor. She was lovely to know both inside and outside due to her aura ofcaring and commitment.Thank you for recognizing this extraordinary nurse, leader, and trailblazer, as she truly has been an inspiration overdecades. Reading her story, I believe, will inspire and encourage others to know that they, too, can change the worldthanks to leaders like Congresswoman Johnson. I am honored to have met her and to learn about the difference shehas made in nursing and in Congress.—Karen Watts, MSN, RN, NEA-BCExecutive Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer, Parkland Health & Hospital SystemCivilian Nursing CareersCare for military personnel, their families,and beneficiaries at Army hospitals andclinics worldwide.» Rewarding Careers» Exceptional Benefits» Opportunities Worldwide » Flexible Work SchedulesSearch jobs online today atCivilianMedicalJobs.comVast OpportunitiesExceptional BenefitsRewarding CareersArmy Medicine Civilian Corps employees are NOT subject to militaryrequirements such as "boot camp," enlistments or deployments.THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.8Minority Nurse FALL 2015CivilianMedicalJobs.comFIND JOBSPOST RESUMESAPPLY TODAY

MINORITYNURSESCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMSponsored by the National Coalition of EthnicMinority Nurse Associations (NCEMNA)and Minority Nurse MagazineWe are currently accepting applications for our 17thannual scholarship competition, consisting of two 1,000 awards and one 3,000 award. Selectionswill be made by NCEMNA. Scholarships will be paidin summer 2016 for the fall 2016 academic term.Who Is EligibleTo apply for this scholarship, students mustmeet all four of the following criteria:Be a minority in the nursing professionBe enrolled in the United States (as of September 2016) in either: The third or fourth year of an accredited BSN program; or An accelerated program leading to a BSN degree(such as RN-to-BSN or BA-to-BSN); or An accelerated master’s entry program in nursing for students withbachelor’s degrees in fields other than nursing (such as BA-to-MSN)Note: Graduate students who already have a bachelor’s degree in nursing are not eligible.Have a 3.0 GPA or better (on a 4.0 scale)Be a U.S. citizen or permanent residentHow to ApplyComplete the form at ation and attach the following documents:Transcript or other proof of GPALetter of recommendation from a faculty memberoutlining academic achievementA brief (250-word) written statement summarizing youracademic and personal accomplishments, communityservice, and goals for your future nursing careerImportant: An English translation must be provided forany documentation that is not in EnglishDeadline for application: February 1, 2016Questions? E-mail ity Nurse Magazine@MinorityNurse9

Skills for SuccessWhat EveryNew NurseNeeds10Minority Nurse FALL 2015

BY JULIA QUINN-SZCESUILNo one can say nursing is a stagnantprofession. Even freshly minted gradscan feel they are scrambling to keepup with new procedures, technologies,treatments, and processes. If you’re anurse, you might start to wonder whatskills you will need to succeed and staycurrent in the coming years.There are a few qualities shared by all successful nurses.Being an excellent multitasker, having empathy, andbeing nearly obsessed with details never failed a nurse.No matter what your specialty, your location, or youraspirations, experts agree that a few skills in your wheelhousewill not only advance your career, but also help you satisfyyour goals of being the best nurse for your patients.“The first thing you have to have if you want to be the bestnurse possible is you have to really want to do it,” says LeighGoldstein, assistant professor of clinical nursing at the University of Texas at Austin School of Nursing. “You really have towant to be a nurse and not just bring people pills and plumppillows. To get there, you have to put in the hours and put inthe study. There’s that little thing in you that tells you, ‘This isit,’” says Goldstein. “It makes learning all the other skills easier.”LaDonna Northington, DNP, RN, BC, professor of nursingand the director of the traditional nursing program at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, agrees that nurses need apassion for the job. “This is not for the faint of heart,” she says.Looking ahead, here are some of the essential skills nurseswill need to meet job demands at any career juncture.www.minoritynurse.comMinority Nurse Magazine@MinorityNurse11

Develop Critical Thinking/Critical ReasoningThe best nurse thinks outside the box. Adapting tochanging situations, uniquepatient presentations, unusualmedication combinations, anda rotating team takes awareness. Assessing and evaluatingthey often have essentialtechnological familiarity.“Most nurses are probablyaware that the world of electronics has just taken over,”says Barbara Vaughn, RN,BSN, BS, CCM, chief nursing officer of Baylor MedicalCenter in Carrollton, Texas.Being an excellent multitasker, having empathy,and being nearly obsessed with details never faileda nurse.the whole picture by using thecritical thinking developed inschool and on the job is essential to success.“Nursing is not like workingin a bank,” says Goldstein.“It’s not 9 to 5. It’s always aunique set of circumstances.You have to tailor and adjustthe care you deliver based onthe picture the patient is giving you.”According to Northington,nothing in nursing is static. Nurses can’t usually justtreat one patient issue—theyhave to determine how thepatient’s diagnosis or diseasehas affected them across thelifespan, she says. And nurseshave to consider not just thebest choice for the patientand the best option for thenurse right now, but they alsohave to consider those thingsin light of the city they are in,the timing, and the resourcesthey have at hand or that areavailable to them.Make Friends withTechnologyNursing moves fast, buttechnological advances aresometimes even faster. Whilenew nurses might lack yearsof direct patient experience,12Minority Nurse FALL 2015“The more senior nurses whodidn’t grow up in the technology world tend to strugglemore than nurses who grewup with that.”With apps that allow nurses to determine medicationdosages and interactions andwebsites that allow patientsaccess to electronic healthrecords, technology is an integral part of modern nursing. “Technology is changing how we practice and willchange how nurses functionin the future,” says Vaughn.The benefits are incredible.Instead of having to make thetime-consuming drive intothe ER when needed for anemergency, a specialist mightnow be able to save preciousminutes by first examininga patient remotely with thehelp of monitors and evenrobotic devices. Nurses willhave to adapt to this new wayof doing things.Nurses have to practicewith technology to gain afluent understanding, saysVaughn. Vaughn, who isstudying for her PhD, saysshe didn’t grow up with online training as the norm, sowhen her new classes requiredonline work, she wasn’t pre-pared. Realizing this could bea hindrance, Vaughn askednewer nurses about how todo things, and she practicednavigating the system untilshe became better at it.Whether you are accessingpatient records, navigating online requirements for a class,or learning a new medicationscanning program, technology will improve your workday and help you take bettercare of your patients. In themeantime, Vaughn just recommends playing around withthe computer when faced withsomething new. In her owndepartment, Vaughn recallssome nurses who were especially stressed out about learning the new electronic healthrecords system. With trainingand practice, they excelled.“They were later identified assuperusers for their unit,” saysVaughn with a laugh.Adapt to the Broader PictureWith all these developmentscomes new and greater responsibility.“As an inpatient nurse, youused to worry about the 4 to 6days when the patient was un-patient arrived at the hospital,but also think about working with the care team to givespecific instructions for whenpatients get home that will bepractical.“The more specialized medicine gets, the more fragmented health care becomes,” saysNorthington. Technology andthat broad view can help reignthat all in—and nurses need toknow how the puzzle pieces fittogether and where and howpatients are receiving care.“More patients will befollowed in nontraditionalhealth care settings,” saysVaughn. “Our world and theworld we know is going tochange,” says Vaughn of thehealth care industry. Withmore patients being followedby health care centers in easily accessed sites like Walmartand Walgreens, telemedicineis going to become more important to understand and tonavigate.Practice EffectiveCommunicationThirty years ago, communication about patient care waseffective, but certainly not atWhether you are accessing patient records, navigating online requirements for a class, or learninga new medication scanning program, technologywill improve your work day and help you take better care of your patients.der your care,” says Vaughn.“Now if you are in a hospitalbased setting, you are goingto be more involved in patient population health.” Thatmeans an inpatient nurse notonly has to get the whole storyof what happened before thetoday’s level, says Northington. “We have to communicate,” she says. “You have toask, ‘What do you know thatI don’t know that can help thispatient?’ or ‘Are these therapiescontr

Auburn University School of Nursing Sandra Millon-Underwood, PhD, RN, FAAN Professor University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, College of Nursing Tri Pham, PhD, RN, AOCNP-BC, ANP-BC Nurse Practitioner The University of Texas-MD Anderson Cancer Center Ronnie Ursin, DNP, MBA, RN, NEA-BC . program offers flexibility, but an accelerated program will .