Spotlight on NPs highlights exciting achievements and activities of American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) members.

Congratulations to AANP Fellow, Dr. Bernadette Melnyk, who was awarded the American Association of Nurse Practitioners 2017 Sharp Cutting Edge Award at the AANP 2017 National Conference June 20-25, 2017, in Philadelphia, PA. Melnyk is vice president for health promotion, university chief wellness officer, and dean and professor of the College of Nursing at The Ohio State University. Read more.

“Hospitalization rates plummeted 61 percent, and emergency room visits fell 64 percent among a group of patients who received home visits from nurse practitioners and graduate students during a six-month period in 2016,” according to a University of Rhode Island College of Nursing study funded by a three-year $1.6 million grant from the U.S. Public Health Service’s Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). AANP Fellow Dr. Denise Coppa used the grant funds to “advance nursing practice and improve patient outcomes through enhanced primary care for the medically underserved.” Read the press release.

AANP members (and twin sisters) Becki Sutter and Carrie Sutter are co-founders of health clinics that help patients in underserved areas reach their wellness goals. “We’re almost a safety net to the safety net,” Becki Sutter said. “We give them care, get them out of the emergency room, and, hopefully, over time get them into a more secure situation by empowering them.” “We look at the factors that determine health,” Carrie Sutter said. “Food insecurity, homelessness risk, transportation issues, job insecurity, those sorts of things.” Read more.

Congratulations to Washington State University and AANP member Dr. Janet Purath, who were awarded a two-year, $1.3 million grant from HRSA to educate nurse practitioners and prepare them to increase access to primary care in rural areas. “We know from educational research that students trained in clinics that provide care to underserved people are more likely to practice in those clinics after graduation,” said Purath, and this project supports that notion.” Read more.

Forbes magazine named Penn Medicine one of the best employers in the United States, and AANP member Maria Molina explained to The Daily Pennsylvanian why Penn Medicine is one of the nation’s best places to work. Molina said, “You come to work not just to ‘survive’ your job. It’s to survive and grow, because Penn has this culture of excellence.”

AANP members Dr. Sharon Chalmers and Erin Turner were mentioned in an article about their involvement in study abroad mission trips that provide health care to patients in underserved areas of the world. “The most exciting and most terrifying part is you never know what’s going to walk through the door,” Turner said.

Weight is an important wellness factor, according to AANP member Sonya Gilson, who was quoted in an article about the relationship between weight and health. “In a quest for health and wellness,” Gilson recommended “not focusing on the number on the scale but how do you feel? How do your clothes fit? How are you functioning during the day? Is that improving?” Gilson said, “You’re worth making the healthy choices. You’re worth taking care of yourself.”

Ticks and tick-borne illnesses were the topic of an article that quoted AANP member Dr. Amy Johnson. Prevent tick-borne illness by treating pets for ticks and checking yourself regularly. “Use bug spray, wear long pants and avoid high grass areas,” Johnson recommended.

Spotlight on NPs highlights exciting achievements and activities of American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) members.

AANP Colorado State Representative Dr. Michelle L. Edwards and AANP members Dr. Judith Kutzleb, Dr. Sheryl Slonim, Dr. Lacey Troutman-Buckler and Dr. Vicky Turner were quoted in an article about the ways APRNs improve quality outcomes and costs of health care. Read more.

Congratulations to 20 AANP members listed below, including 16 AANP Fellows, who are among the American Academy of Nursing’s 2017 Class of New Fellows. An induction ceremony will be held in October. Read the press release.

• Melissa Batchelor-Murphy, PhD, RN-BC, FNP-BC
• Andrea Brassard, PhD, FNP-BC, FAANP
• Sandra Brown, DNS, APRN, FNP-BC, CNE, ANEF
• Theresa Campo, DNP, RN, FNP-C, ENP-BC, FAANP
• Valerie T. Cotter, DrNP, AGPCNP-BC, FAANP
• Rita F. D’Aoust, PhD, ACNP, ANP-BC, CNE, FAANP
• Elizabeth A. Downes, DNP, MPH, APRN, NP-C, CNE, FAANP
• Lorna Finnegan, PhD, RN, FNP
• Shannon Idzik, DNP, CRNP, FAANP
• Anne Christine Floyd Koci, PhD, RN, FNP-BC, WHNP
• Scharmaine Lawson-Baker, DNP, FNP-BC, FAANP
• Sheila Drake Melander, PhD, RN, ACNP-BC, FCCM, FAANP
• Kymberlee A. Montgomery, DNP, CRNP-BC, CNE, FAANP
• Jamesetta A. Newland, PhD, RN, FNP-BC, FAANP, DPNAP
• Janine Overcash, PhD, GNP-BC, FAANP
• Diane Todd Pace, PhD, APRN, FNP-BC, NCMP, FAANP
• Elda Ramirez, PhD, RN, FNP-BC, ENP-C, FAANP, FAEN
• Kate Sheppard, PhD, RN, FNP, PMHNP-BC, FAANP
• Shari L. Simone, DNP, CPNP-AC, PPCNP-BC, FCCM, FAANP
• Julee B. Waldrop, DNP, CRNP, PNP-BC, FNP-BC, CNE, FAANP

AANP member Karen Pekle was recognized in a New York Post article describing her extraordinary efforts to help a cancer patient. Pekle was named Nurse of the Year by Hotel Keys of Hope. It was the first time the American Cancer Society honored an oncology nurse in a nationwide competition,” the Post indicated.

Susanne Meaney, an AANP member, offered tips to help people in Pensacola, FL, avoid heat related illnesses. Hydration, a healthy diet, and safety precautions related to hot cars were among her suggestions. Read more.

AANP member CDR Catherine McDonald “has been on active duty in the U.S. Navy for 26 years and has served more than 30 years, including her time in the reserves. As a U.S. Navy nurse practitioner, McDonald does primary care, preventative care, dental care and sometimes behavioral health care. Much of her job also consists of collaborating with other medical providers where she is stationed on areas from supplies to communication.” Read more.

Congratulations to AANP Fellow Dr. Cindy Munro who was appointed dean of the University of Miami School of Nursing and Health Studies. Read the press release.

Spotlight on NPs highlights exciting achievements and activities of American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) members.

“AANP has always empowered NPs to serve patients everywhere through not only practice but also education, research, advocacy and leadership,” AANP President Dr. Joyce Knestrick told the Observer-Reporter. “I look forward to working with our members nationwide to champion patient access to high-quality, affordable, NP-provided health care.”

Dr. David LaFevers, AANP Missouri State Representative, was quoted in an article about nursing shortages in his state. The article cites a 2017 report by the Missouri Hospital Association, which indicates that “the shortage of nurses in Missouri hospitals are at an all-time high.” The number of nurses reaching retirement age, a geographical proximity rule, and a desire for full practice authority were listed among the factors contributing to the shortage.

In an Op-Ed published by The Hill, AANP member Dr. Melissa Kalensky and Dr. Mona Shattell discussed the role health plans play in the opioid epidemic. According to Kalensky and Shattell, in addition to patients, clinicians and pharmaceutical companies, “there is another important factor at play, that is, private insurance companies, and public programs such as Medicaid and Medicare, which regulate what medications providers can prescribe.”

Congratulations to AANP members Roxanne Stephens and Robert Hoadley – a mother and son who recently graduated together, earning master’s of science in nursing degrees from Maryville University. “I had thought about becoming a nurse practitioner off and on for a long time, but kept telling myself I couldn’t do it. Robert talked me into doing this program with him…” Stephens said. Read more.

Dr. Michele Talley was recognized at the AANP 2017 National Conference with the State Award for NP Excellence in Alabama. Talley initiated a partnership with a large urban hospital to provide diabetes care to uninsured patients. “Under Talley’s leadership, the PATH Clinic has had significant impact on hundreds of Alabamians who might not otherwise have access to such care while saving UAB Hospital more than $1.5 million.” Read the press release.

Tammy Lo, an AANP member, was mentioned in an article about research her team is conducting, which is related to a link between diabetes and pancreatic cancer.  According to the article, “Pancreatic cancer is one of the most lethal of human malignancies, with five-year survival rates of only eight percent. It is on a trajectory to become the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S. by 2020.”

Congratulations to AANP member Diane Baptista, who was inducted into the National Association of Professional Women’s VIP Woman of the Year Circle. Baptista received this honor as a result of her leadership in health care. Read the press release.

AANP member Amber Schmitz shared why “sunburn, bug bites and poison ivy don’t have to ruin summer fun” in the “Ask a Doctor” column of the Herald Times Reporter. Read Schmitz’s advice to protect skin and treat common skin irritations.

The importance of hydration was discussed by AANP member Caitlyn Boudreaux in a local news article. “People normally don’t realize that they are starting to get dehydrated,” Boudreaux said. “You can start having confusion, dizziness, light-headedness, start having very decreased urine output, things like that – vomiting, diarrhea – anything like that.”

Congratulations to AANP member Anna Skripnik Lucas, who was honored with an Extraordinary Healer essay for her work implementing standards of care in radiation dermatitis prevention. According to a physician colleague who authored the essay, “Anna’s leadership and professionalism are exceptional, and she is a truly outstanding individual. She is systematic, yet creative, in her approach to patient care delivery, and uses her superior clinical judgment to tailor to the needs of each patient. It is clear that Anna continually strives to better herself as a nurse and contribute to the nursing discipline. Her dedication to improving patient care is extraordinary.”

“Depression is the most common psychiatric disorder in the general population,” according to AANP member Monica Livers. A local news article detailed depression statistics, symptoms and treatment options.

Changes associated with aging were discussed by AANP member Kimberly Owens in an article for SC Now. Skin care and hydration were among the topics highlighted.

Brenda Carney, an AANP member, was quoted in an article about treating chronic pain patients with medical marijuana. “Since there’s been an explosion of opiate overdose and overuse and trouble nationwide, we really felt that one of the best things for us to do was to be able to proceed with this medical marijuana instead,” Carney said.

AANP member Diane Waddell was featured in a news article about her faith-based advocacy work related to climate change.

Spotlight on NPs highlights exciting achievements and activities of American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) members.

In his regular column for the Huffington Post’s Black Voices Column, AANP Fellow Capt. James LaVelle Dickens addressed men’s health issues during Men’s Health Month. According to Dickens, “Categorically, African American men are the unhealthiest of all Americans. Threats that disproportionately affect all men like heart disease, stroke and cancer are impacting African American men earlier in their lives, resulting in more complications and more serious problems down the line, including higher mortality rates.” Dickens offered four ways men can fight back.

National HIV Testing Day increased awareness of the importance and ease of HIV testing. According to AANP member Sarah Knorr, “There’s great treatment for HIV now, including medication that can help an individual lead a full and complete life for the most part. At this time, there’s no cure, but there’s excellent medications to treat it.” Learn more.

Tavell Kindall, an AANP member, was quoted in a local news report about the prevalence of HIV in Louisiana. Kindall discussed the importance of testing and mentioned a new drug prescribed for prevention of the virus.

AANP member Lisanna Gonzalez was mentioned in an article published by the New York Times about the relationship between fear of deportation and the health of undocumented immigrants and their children. According to the article, an 8 year-old patient experienced physical symptoms related to fear of her parents being deported.

A Newsweek article by Robert Reich pictured AANP member Paula Glass and detailed Reich’s evaluation of “Trumpcare.” Glass provides patients health checkups at a Planned Parenthood clinic.

NPs lead and give back to their communities in a number of ways. For example, AANP member Karen Hawes fixes old bicycles with spare parts and gives the repaired bikes to children who need them. “I have no idea what got me into this, but I’ve always been open to going down other roads,” Hawes said. “There was a need for it, so I started do it.” Read more.

AANP Fellow Dr. Marianne Hutti led research and development of a new app that “makes scoring of the Perinatal Grief Intensity Scale (PGIS) easier, predicting patients at greatest risk for intense grief after perinatal loss, which includes miscarriage, stillbirth or the death of an infant within 28 days after birth.” Read more about her research and the Perinatal Grief Intensity Scale app.

A study in the American Journal of Critical Care explores PTSD susceptibility in NPs and PAs, and it quotes AANP Immediate Past President Dr. Cindy Cooke.  Read the following recent blogs by Dr. Cooke:

• 30 Seconds on Alzheimer’s Disease
• Motherhood Moment on Stroke

Coverage from the AANP 2017 National Conference in Philadelphia

We are pleased to share that AANP inaugurated a new president at the AANP 2017 National Conference in Philadelphia. Pennsylvania native Dr. Joyce Knestrick officially assumed responsibility as president for the organization on Sunday, June 25, 2017. Dr. Knestrick succeeded Dr. Cindy Cooke, who served as AANP president for two years and is now AANP Immediate Past President. Read AANP’s press release.

“Our nation is struggling with opioid abuse, and nurse practitioners are an active part of the solution,” said AANP President Dr. Joyce Knestrick. “More than 4,500 nurse practitioners will have access to exceptional training at this conference that they can employ with their patients at home, and that is a huge step in the right direction in the fight against opioid abuse nationwide.” Read AANP’s press release.

Several media outlets reported onsite. Below are several of the articles. Click on the outlet names below for their full coverage.

Clinical Advisor and Endocrinology Advisor

• Revolutionizing Health Care – Quotes AANP Immediate Past-President Cindy Cooke
• More NPs Choosing Primary Care
• Teaching Strategies to Enhance Intergenerational Learning – According to AANP Fellow Oralea Pittman and AANP member Dr. Joyce Karl, “Understanding/appreciating the different attitudes and skills that different generations and professions bring to the relationships can increase student, faculty, manager, and co-worker confidence and self-efficacy,” the authors said. “Learning new skills from each other enhances outcomes for all.”
• NPs Better Able to Diagnose and Treat Mental Health Disorders with Greater Exposure as Students – AANP member Nancy Edwards and colleagues found that “diagnostic and treatment competency levels in mental health disorders improved with increased educational time on these conditions.”
• Mammogram Referral, Screening Rates Boosted With Point-of-Care Screening Program – “A breast cancer screening program helped improve mammography referral and screening rates in a federally qualified health center,” according to AANP member Dr. Jill Muhrer.
• NPs Have Favorable View of Retail Health Clinics – AANP Fellow Julie Koch and colleagues conducted a survey at the 2016 AANP National Conference and shared their results at #AANP17.
• Managing Patients With Chronic Heart Failure – Dr. Eleanor Stone, an AANP member, reported that “successful management of the growing population of patients at risk for congestive heart failure (CHF) depends on understanding risk factor reduction and strict adherence to established guidelines.”
• NPs Improve Care Coordination for High-Risk Complex Care Patients Post-Discharge – “Post-discharge care from hospital to community coordinated by an NP in high-risk complex care patients reduced hospital readmission rates,” AANP member Dr. Ana Mola indicated.
• Advanced Practice Preceptor Development Program Improves Student Transitions into Practice – AANP member Janet Myers and Susan Bosworth found that “an innovative advanced practice preceptor program can help students and novices transition into established professionals.”
• Rivaroxaban Decreased VTE Rate in High-Risk Orthopedic Joint Surgery Patients – AANP member Kim-Khue Dinh and Yogini Patel “developed a protocol to demonstrate the efficacy of rivaroxaban in lowering the risk of venous thromboembolism among orthopedic joint surgery patients.”
• Managing Comorbidities Linked to Childhood Obesity – AANP member Roberta “Bobbe” Mansfield and colleagues found that “a point-of-care resource tool may help clinicians better manage childhood overweight- and obesity-related comorbidities.”
• Positive Outcomes Associated With Regular Depression Screening in T2D – AANP Fellow Dr. Katherine Kenny and AANP member Dr. Kristel McGhee indicated that “patients with major depressive disorder have a mean life span of 25 to 30 years less than the average person.” They found that regular depression screening in patients with type 2 diabetes improved outcomes.
• Exercise Protocol Improves Outcomes in T2D – AANP member Geraldine Q. Young found that “exercise protocol algorithms are cost-effective tools that can be used to individualize exercise regimens to encourage behavioral changes in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and obesity.”
• Acceptable Variability With Novel Sensor for Glucose Monitoring in T2D – Davida Kruger and colleagues found that “sensor glucose monitoring may be an acceptable alternative to traditional monitoring methods for patients with type 2 diabetes.”
• Patient Preferences Affect Efficacy of Diabetes Care – AANP member Emily Kimble found “disconnects between medical education programs and cultural and logistical preferences of underserved populations can create barriers in healthcare.”
• Best Practices in Preconception Care in Pregestational Diabetes – AANP member Jacqueline LaManna determined that “optimized preconception care is key to creating positive short- and long-term health outcomes in patients with pregestational diabetes.”
• Women Veterans Lack Access to Effective Health Care in Civilian Practice – “Civilian healthcare providers need to be educated on the importance of screening women for military service and also be aware of the unique healthcare needs of this population,” according to AANP Member Lt. Col. Alicia Rossiter.
• Preventing Holiday Weight Gain Among Rural Hospital Nightshift Employees – Vickie Brooks indicated that “using collaboration and technology, NPs can help patients prevent weight gain and obesity-related diseases.”

Healio

• Healio Prepares for American Association of Nurse Practitioners 2017
• AANP Opening Ceremony: Health Care Revolution Starts Now
• Absorption Level of Daily Intranasal Corticosteroids Has Wide Range, Is Product Dependent – AANP Fellow Wendy L. Wright told Healio, “Millions of children are affected by allergic rhinitis. Untreated, these children are at increased risk for sinusitis, fatigue, inattentiveness, and even dental abnormalities. It is imperative that nurse practitioners assess for this condition and treat it.”
• Point of Care Screening Model Outperforms Conventional Breast Cancer Screening Methods – “While mammograms reduce mortality through early detection, utilization is low, especially among uninsured and racial and ethnic minorities, often due to lack of provider referrals,” AANP member Dr. Jill Muhrer told Healio.
• Patient Engagement Is Critical to Treat Chronic Pain, Opioid Use Disorder – According to Dr. Seddon Savage, “If someone has chronic pain, just giving that person medication isn’t necessarily going to take care of that chronic pain. What health care professionals need patients to do is recognize what’s contributing to the pain.”
• PCPs, NPs, ‘Have Responsibility’ to Inform Patients of Less Expensive Medications – AANP Fellow Peggy Vernon told Healio, “We need to be aware of what these drugs cost, we have to be effective in what we prescribe for them, but then we have to use the most economical medication that we can prescribe. We have to start containing costs in this health care system. We can’t rely on others to do that [for us].”
• Organic Causes of Pediatric Abdominal Pain Common in Primary Care – “I always tell parents that come in with their child who has abdominal pain and constipation, if they come back in with abdominal pain in the future, don’t automatically assume it’s constipation again,” AANP Fellow Sophia L. Thomas said. “It could be [from other causes like] appendicitis. Even though this child has a history [of one gastrointestinal symptom], go back through the history to make sure you’re not missing anything.”
• Better Understanding Needed on Differentiating, Managing Different Forms of Insomnia – AANP Fellow Dr. Veronica Wilbur stressed the importance of assessing sleep hygiene and habits when treating patients for insomnia.
• Treatment of Acute Rhinosinusitis Difficult Because of Increasing Antimicrobial Resistance – “Antimicrobial resistance to all Streptococcus pneumoniae has been estimated at 30% to 40% for products such as erythromycin and azithromycin, and rising fluoroquinolone resistance has made treating bacterial cases more difficult,” according to AANP Fellow Wendy L. Wright.
• Take ‘Innovative’ Approach to Managing Obesity – AANP member Dr. Kathleen Bornhoeft conducted a survey to identify barriers to effective management of patients with obesity, and she presented a poster on her findings at #AANP17.
• AANP Inaugurates Joyce Knestrick as New President
• Caregivers of Children Requiring Medical Technology Have Differing Views of Symptom Management – AANP member Dr. Regena Spratling found that “managing the symptoms of illness in a child who requires one or more medical technologies — including tracheostomies, feeding tubes and ventilators — might require more education than formerly thought because caregivers may have varying definitions of health.”
• Barriers to HPV Vaccine Uptake Identified, Suggestions to Overcome Such Obstacles Offered – “HPV vaccine rates in 2015 were below the Healthy People 2020 target of 80%, suggesting an opportunity for nurse practitioners to help improve these numbers,” according to findings presented by AANP member Dr. Brenda Cassidy.
• Strategies to Encourage More Patients to Undergo Eye Tests – “Education, along with a screening reminder card, may encourage more patients to get diabetic retinopathy eye screening exams,” found AANP member Dr. Marcia Petterson.
• Consider Alternative Approaches to Treat Insomnia – AANP member Paula Demasi suggested that “patients with insomnia should avoid sleeping with pets, and should consider getting a new mattress, sleeping in a cool, dark room; playing white noise or music that lulls them to sleep; participating in yoga or receiving acupuncture.”
• Adverse Childhood Events Likely to Be Passed in Generations, Are Root of Many Chronic Conditions – According to AANP member Sandy Schilling, “screening for adverse childhood events, such as child abuse or household dysfunction, in adults within a primary care setting may identify who is likely to pass along the same adverse events to their children — especially mothers.”
• Managing Dermatologic Conditions Requires Patience, Careful Diagnosis – Medication prices and alternatives, expected outcomes, and resources for clinicians who treat dermatologic conditions were discussed by AANP member Lakshi Aldredge.
• Telemedicine Effective in Assessing, Managing Adolescent Concussion – AANP Fellow Dr. Cydne Marckmann found that “when contact between practitioners and athletic trainers is facilitated through telemedicine for the assessment of concussion in adolescents, both the time and distance to a specialist is reduced, improving satisfaction with care for providers treating this population.”
• A To-Do List, When Considering Telemedicine – “Telehealth represents a potentially significant improvement in bringing higher quality care to underserved communities while offering cost benefits and convenience to patients, so providers should investigate its role for their institutions,” according to AANP member Jean Arlotti and Sue Neder.
• Diagnosing Laryngopharyngeal Reflux – AANP Fellow Dr. Kelly Harden explored the differences between laryngopharyngeal reflux and GERD at the AANP 2017 National Conference.
• Pediatric Oral Health Should Be Priority in Primary Care – “Nearly half of all children and two-thirds of adolescents between the ages of 12 and 19 from families of low socioeconomic status have untreated tooth decay, putting pediatricians and primary care providers in a unique position to assess oral health status,” AANP member Dr. Judith Haber found.
• Tailor Workouts to the Patient’s Diabetic Condition – According to AANP member Dr. Geraldine Q. Young, “There is no excuse for not exercising if you have diabetes and if you have a comorbidity. There’s just no excuse.” She shared protocol to help patients engage in exercise that was most appropriate for their specific health concerns.
• Insufficient Evidence to Support Pediatric Medicinal Marijuana Use – AANP Fellow Dr. Teri Moser Woo found that “the use of cannabis products in the pediatric population for a variety of conditions, including seizures and psychiatric illnesses, has not been sufficiently supported by research to justify its use in this population.”
• Updated CDC Guidelines for Neonatal HBV Testing Prevent Misclassification – According to AANP Fellow Dr. Mary Koslap-Petraco, “shortening the time frame in which an infant receives post-vaccination serologic testing for hepatitis B from 9 to 18 months to 9 to 12 months may increase adherence for testing in accordance with CDC guidelines and lessen the time in which nonresponders may come into close contact with the infection.”
• Diabetes Should Be Discussed With Women of Reproductive Age – “No matter the reason a woman of reproductive age with diabetes goes to see a medical professional, her diabetes must be part of the discussion,” asserted AANP member Dr. Jacqueline LaManna.
• Stay Connected to Changing Data, Guidelines on Contraception – Regarding options for contraception, AANP Fellow Dr. Mimi Secor said, “If we can give the information up front when women are young, that’s a gift that keeps on giving. They have a planned family situation, they have an empowered life, and control over their bodies. So the investment up front when they’re young is really, really worth it.”
• Treatment of Pediatric Obesity Comorbidities Simplified in New Algorithm – AANP member Roberta “Bobbe” Mansfield and her colleagues developed “a new set of guidelines for managing comorbidities associated with pediatric obesity, including dyslipidemia, thyroid conditions and vitamin D deficiency.”
• Flouride Varnish Applications Increase in Pediatricians’ Offices When Offered – According to AANP member Dr. Diana L. Lamboy, ““Fluoride is a great, reimbursable thing, and Medicaid reimburses for it as well.  We don’t want to bypass the dentist because they’re very important, but this is another resource for the population.”
• Increased Awareness of ‘Drunkorexia’ Needed – AANP member Dr. Jo Ann L. Nicoteri suggested that “Primary care providers need to screen for eating problems and also alcohol use. In a quick 5 minutes, they can ask the person how often they exercise, how often they drink alcohol, and what are they eating. The medical professional should then co-relate the three and come up possibly with a problem area for the person.”
• Uncontrolled Asthma in Teens May Lead to Low Self-Esteem, Drug Use – “Teenagers are more likely to be noncompliant with their asthma controller medications, which may lead to self-esteem issues and depression due to uncontrolled asthma and feeling ‘different’,” according to AANP Fellow Sophia L. Thomas.
• Depression Screening Lacks in Patients with Diabetes – AANP Fellow Dr. Katherine Kenny and AANP member Dr. Kristel McGhee shared research findings that stressed the importance of screening for depression in patients with diabetes.

Medscape

• Nurse Practitioners in Primary Care in the Spotlight at AANP – “Our conference theme this year is Nurse Practitioners Revolutionize Health Care, and that says a lot about how NPs are changing things for healthcare in the United States,” said AANP Fellow and Conference Chair Susan VanBeuge. AANP Fellow Dr. Mary Ellen Roberts, who is a member of the organizing committee said, “Preceptors don’t get anything monetarily, but they get satisfaction that they’re able to give back to the profession. It behooves us as NPs to teach and train the next generation of NPs coming behind us.”
• Assumptions Blind Practitioners to Human Trafficking – “Worldwide, there are 30 million victims of human trafficking, and there are 800,000 new victims each year, AANP Texas (S) State Representative Jessica Peck told Medscape. “Once recruited into trafficking, the average life expectancy of a victim is only 7 years, so we want to rescue them quickly.” According to the article, “An estimated 87% of rescued trafficking victims had at least one encounter with a healthcare provider during captivity, but they were not recognized as victims.”
• Hospital Visits by Nurse Practitioners Prevent Readmission – “When older patients are visited in the hospital by a nurse practitioner, rates of readmission in the 30 days after discharge can be reduced dramatically in this vulnerable population, according to a pilot study” by AANP member Katie Wingate.

Visit the AANP website for updated information.

Three Reasons You Can’t Miss This Conference

• Great networking opportunities
• Four expert-led tracks
  • Business/Health Policy/Leadership
  • Acute Care
  • Obesity/Diabetes
  • Pain Management/Opioid Use Disorder
• Up to 21.25 contact hours of CE credit (subject to change)

Registration Rates

• Members:
  • NP  $475
  • Associate  $475
  • Student  $350
  • Post- Masters Student  $350
  • Career Starter  $350
  • Retired $350

• Non-Member:  $620 (Join today and save)

Download the Detail Session Listing for more information. Register today at specialty.aanp.org.

Fabulous Location – Peppermill Resort Spa Casino

• Nine Exceptional Restaurants – Authentic Chinese and handmade Italian specialties, mouthwatering steaks and chops, fresh seafood and sushi, and café classics
• Spa & Salon Toscana – A three story, 33,000 square foot sanctuary of luxury and tranquility, with full service salon, indoor pool, boutique, sundeck and secret garden
• Fitness and Pools – A 9,000 square foot fitness center and two sparkling geothermally heated pools featuring a cascading waterfall and poolside bar
• Nighttime Enjoyment – 15 bars and lounges offer an array of nightlife choices from dancing at the high energy EDGE nightclub to warming up by the fire pit or plush booths of the Fireside Lounge
• Casino – 24/7 gaming action at the Peppermill casino

Learn more about visiting Reno, NV, and Lake Tahoe, CA:

Download the Detail Session Listing for more information. Register today at specialty.aanp.org.

Spotlight on NPs highlights exciting achievements and activities of American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) members.

AANP member Mike MacKinnon is a CRNA/FNP working in rural Arizona providing independent anesthesia, pain and family practice services to an underserved area. He recently had Senator Jeff Flake shadow him. Read Sen. Flake’s editorial in The Hill. Congressman Tom O’Halleran also shadowed MacKinnon. Pictures from both events are below.

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In appreciation of the help Sheridan Health Center gave AANP member Lt. Col. Robin Duncan while she was studying to become a nurse practitioner, Duncan presented the clinic with “a flag that was flown in its honor during Operation Iraqi Freedom.” Read more about Duncan’s service and how the clinic played an important role in her success.

Congratulations to AANP member Dr. Udo Ariwodo, who was selected to join the Nursing Board of the American Health Council. According to a press release, Ariwodo will draw upon more than two decades of experience to share her knowledge and expertise related to nursing, assessment and research.

AANP member Dr. Sherril Sego wrote an article for the Clinical Challenge column of Clinical Advisor that detailed “An Unusual Pelvic Mass in a 43-Year-Old Woman.” See what Sego discovered in this intriguing case.

Congratulations to AANP member Andrea Krispin who was named a Governor’s Teaching Fellow by the Institute of Higher Education at the University of Georgia.  According to a press release from Valdosta State University, “the Governor’s Teaching Fellows Program provides higher education faculty members from accredited public and private colleges and universities across Georgia with expanded opportunities for developing important teaching skills.”

AANP member Karen Macey-Stewart received Overlook Medical Center’s Outstanding Advanced Practice Nurse Award, which is given annually to the center’s best and brightest staff members. Read the press release.

Spotlight on NPs is a weekly article that highlights exciting achievements and activities of American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) members.

May is Stroke Awareness Month, and AANP Fellow Capt. James Dickens suggested four ways to prevent a deadly stroke in his blog for the Huffington Post Black Voices column.

“Only 38 percent of Americans are aware of the major stroke symptoms and know to get immediate help,” said AANP President Dr. Cindy Cooke in an AANP press release. “The faster people recognize symptoms and seek treatment – ideally within three hours of the first signs– the better the outcomes.”

Congratulations to AANP Michigan State Representative Dr. Beth Kuzma who was recently named an American Colleges of Nursing (AACN) 2017 Faculty Policy Intensive Fellow. According to the AACN website, “Dr. Kuzma believes that nurses must harness their position to positively influence policy to improve patients access to high-quality, cost-effective care by providers who are able to practice to the full extent of their education and training.”

AANP President Dr. Cindy Cooke was quoted in a U.S. News & World Report article titled, “How Hypoglycemia and Hyperglycemia Can Hurt Your Health.” She shared tips to help maintain healthy blood sugar levels.

Congratulations to AANP member Effie Martinez who received a 2017 DAISY Award for “providing extraordinary nursing care.” Read a press release about the honor.

Dr. Lynne Braun, an AANP Fellow, was quoted in an article about women’s heart health. According to Braun, “A lot of women put off taking care of themselves because they’re busy taking care of others and not thinking of themselves,” she says. “So they need to be encouraged to prioritize their own health.” Braun indicated that women’s heart health does not have a one-size-fits-all solution, so she encouraged clinicians to individualize treatment plans.

Congratulations to AANP members (and sisters) Eomba Pungu and Tsha Edith Pungu who were featured in an article by The Charlotte Post about their recent graduations from Winston-Salem State University.

AANP President Dr. Cindy Cooke participated in an American Enterprise Institute (AEI) panel discussion on scope of practice regulations and health care reform. Watch the discussion.

Congratulations to AANP member Rene Revelle, who recently received the Advanced Practice Nurse of  the Year Award from Lake Regional Health System in Missouri. The honor is given to nurse practitioners who exemplify integrity, clinical experience and a positive attitude. Learn more.

AANP Fellow and Alaska Senator Cathy Giessel wrote a guest commentary on the recession that her state is experiencing and proposed solutions to the state’s funding needs.

Congratulations to AANP member Dawn Bova, who was nominated for the Albert E. Dyckes Health Care Worker of the Year Award in Ohio. According to a press release, Bova has a passion for helping families dealing with substance use disorder.

Motherhood Moment blog interviewed AANP President Dr. Cindy Cooke about safety related to driving while drowsy and sleep deprivation. Read the tips she shared during Sleep Awareness Week.

Spotlight on NPs is a weekly article that highlights exciting achievements and activities of American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) members.

Congratulations to AANP Kentucky State Representative Dr. Whitney Nash and AANP member Dr. Sara Robertson who were honored as American Academy of Nursing Edge Runners for their work at the Kentucky Racing Health Services Center. According to a press release, “The Academy’s Raise the Voice Edge Runner initiative recognizes nurse-designed models of care that impact cost, improve quality and enhance patient satisfaction.”

AANP President Dr. Cindy Cooke was quoted in a U.S. News & World Report article titled, “How Hypoglycemia and Hyperglycemia Can Hurt Your Health.” She also appeared on Let’s Talk America with Shana Thornton to discuss Sleep Deprivation and Your Health. Listen beginning at the 18 minute mark.

For National Nurses Week, May 6 – 12, AANP member Kara Couch wrote an article on “The Art and Science of Wound Care Nursing.” According to Couch, wound care nurses provide patient-centered, holistic care, and they “talk about lifestyle choices, habits, financial concerns, the patient’s emotional state, and a variety of other factors that can be deeply personal but also incredibly relevant to their wound healing journey.”

Carol Warfield also celebrated National Nurses Week by writing an article that explains how crucial nurse practitioners have become to the health of patients nationwide. Warfield, an AANP member with 37 years of experience, also detailed the path she took to become an NP.

Drone use in health care was the subject of an interview that AANP Fellow and Executive Director of the Heath Wagon Dr. Teresa Tyson did for Rural Monitor. During an event held by the Health Wagon in July 2015, medicine was delivered by drone for the first time. Tyson sees additional potential for drone use in health care and said, “We’ve got a very large geographical footprint here, serving the indigent patients in far southwest Virginia and the Appalachian Mountains, so drone usage would provide a great opportunity to supplement the health services that we currently have.”

AANP member Lisa Rathman was quoted in an article describing methods Lancaster General Hospital used to obtain the nation’s lowest readmission rate for heart failure patients. Rathman explained that building strong relationships between providers and patients is key to reducing readmission rates.

Congratulations to AANP Fellow Dr. Bernadette Mazurek Melnyk, who received the American Organization of Nurse Executives (AONE) 2017 Nurse Researcher Award at the March AONE National Conference. This award recognizes a nurse researcher who has made significant contributions to nursing research and is recognized by the broader nursing community as an outstanding nurse researcher. Read the press release.

AANP member Lauren Havens was quoted in an article about ways to prevent heart disease in young adults and children. Havens encouraged well-child check-ups and  suggested that parents “Let your kids have choices let them be a part of meal planning, grocery shopping that’s all very important and sets you up for good habits later on.”

Spotlight on NPs is a weekly article that highlights exciting achievements and activities of American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) members.

Congratulations to seven AANP members, including two AANP Fellows who were inducted into the National Academies of Practice (NAP) as a Distinguished Practitioner & Fellow of NAP on March 18. “Membership in the NAP is an honor extended to those who have excelled in their profession and are dedicated to furthering practice, scholarship and policy in support of interprofessional care.”

• Doreen Cassarino, DNP, FNP-BC-ADM, FAANP
• Catherine Concert, DNP, RN, FNP-BC, AOCNP, NE-BC, CNL, CGRN
• Valerie Fuller, DNP, RN, FNP-BC, AOCNP, NE-BC, CNL, CGRN
• Julianne Ossege, PhD, FNP-BC
• Sallie Porter, DNP, PhD, APN, RN-BCC, CPNP
• Nicole Rouhana, PhD
• Wendy L. Wright, MS, APRN, FNP-BC, ANP-BC, FAANP, FAAN

More than 2.5 million Americans have opioid use disorder (OUD), according to a Pew Charitable Trusts article, and laws in some states negatively impact the ability of nurse practitioners to prescribe buprenorphine, an anti-addiction medication, to their patients. AANP member Christina Van Hilst is pictured, and AANP VP of State Government Affairs, Dr. Taynin Kopanos, is quoted in the article.

Congratulations to Dr. Lori A. Spies, an AANP member and assistant professor in the Baylor University Louise Herrington School of Nursing who recently received a 2017-18 Fulbright Global Scholar Award for her commitment to research in the field of global health. Read the press release.

“Architect, U.S. Navy officer, deep sea diver, college professor, nurse practitioner” and AANP member David Davis has quite a remarkable story. According to Davis, “Architecture and nursing are very similar. Both seek answers to programmatic questions. You identify a problem, seek an intervention, implement the intervention and evaluate the implementation.” AANP Rhode Island State Representative Dr. Denise Coppa served as his advisor and was mentioned in the article.

Congratulations to AANP member Tricia Bruketta who was honored by the National Association of Professional Women (NAPW) as a 2017-2018 inductee into its VIP Woman of the Year Circle. According to an NAPW press release, “A Nurse with 30 years of experience and a Geriatric Nurse Practitioner for nearly 20 years, Tricia Bruketta is now the President and Founder of Memory DayByDay. The nonprofit organization specializes in helping people diagnosed with early-onset and early-stage Alzheimer’s dementia, and providing support to caregivers.”

AANP member Mendy Sharpe is a new family nurse practitioner, and an article highlighting her accomplishments indicates that she believes education for patients and providers is the key to improved health outcomes.

Congratulations to AANP member Dr. Tomas C. Walker, who was named the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV) 2017 College of Nursing Alumnus of the Year. Walker leads a team that is working on development of an artificial pancreas to help people who have diabetes. Learn more.

Twin nurse practitioners are both AANP members and professors at George Mason University (GMU). A GMU article explained that Dr. Carrie Suter was the recipient of the AANP Virginia NP State Award for Excellence in 2016, and Dr. Rebecca Sutter will receive the same honor at the AANP 2017 National Conference in Philadelphia this June. Congratulations to both Sutter sisters.

AANP member Dr. Danielle Howa Pendergrass was featured in a Campaign for Action series that profiled leaders in the nursing profession. Pendergrass said, “As nurses, we have the ability to influence and create a much richer impact but we cannot do this unless we diversify our stakeholders. It is through cross-sector collaboration that we will make a measurable impact on health, well-being, and equity.”

Congratulations to AANP Fellow Dr. Alice Teall, who received the 2017 Provost’s Award for Distinguished Teaching by a Lecturer for her work as a clinical instructor of practice and the director of the online Family Nurse Practitioner Program at Oklahoma State University. According to an article highlighting this honor, Teall believes in creating a sense of community for distance learning students. Teall said, “In distance learning, faculty don’t have to be distant from the students.”

According to a local news report, nurse practitioners in McDonald County, Missouri, help improve patients’ access to care and make patients feel as healthy as possible. AANP member Frank Tisdale said, “Whether it be acute illness or even a long standing problem that needs to be addressed so they have access to us immediately.”

AANP member Lynn Aquadro was mentioned in an article about the 20^th anniversary of a nurse practitioner managed clinic where she was the first executive director. Among the first NP-led clinics, the site continues to provide essential health care services to populations challenged by limited access to care.

A local news article described the role of AANP member Andrea Pedersen, who leads a new urgent care program at Massa Berry Clinic in Sturgis, South Dakota. Pedersen said, “One of my favorite things about healthcare is being compassionate. You really get to know families and build a relationship with not only the patient but the entire family.”

Congratulations to AANP member Lakshi Aldredge, who recently received a National Psoriasis Foundation 2016 Medical Professional Award. According to a press release, “Nominated by patients and colleagues, award recipients are clinicians who have made a significant impact in the psoriatic disease community and have joined NPF in our mission to drive efforts toward finding a cure and improving the lives of those affected.”

AANP member Dr. Jennifer Walton was featured in an article about preventing heart disease in women. The article emphasized the importance of cardiovascular screenings and indicated that heart disease is “the number one killer of women, causing one in three deaths every year. It takes the life of one woman approximately every second.”

The demand for nurses with advanced degrees continues to grow in Indiana, and recruiters at health systems are working to fill hundreds of openings, according to an article that quoted AANP member Brandon Lee. Across Indiana, the number of nurse practitioners grew 35 percent from 2012 to 2015.

A local news article about telehealth quoted AANP member Thanh Nguyen. It indicated that anyone with a camera equipped phone, tablet or computer could use that device to reach a health care provider.

The National Quality Forum recently named AANP member Betty Rambur to its Cost and Resource Use Committee. Rambur will receive the AANP 2017 Advocate State Award for Excellence at the AANP 2017 National Conference, based on her work as the sole nurse on the Green Mountain Care Board which oversees innovation and regulates health care in Vermont. Learn more.

AANP member Amy Fennel was recently appointed by Kentucky governor, Matt Bevin, to the Kentucky Commission on Women. The commission is dedicated to elevating the status of women and girls, empowering them to overcome barriers to equity and expanding opportunities to achieve their fullest potential. Read more.

Congratulations to AANP Fellow Dr. Jamesetta Newland, who was recently honored by New York University’s Rory Meyers College of Nursing. According to a press release announcing the honor, Newland is a strong proponent of faculty practice and has extensive experience with nurse managed health centers.

AANP member Sarah Schroeder was pictured and quoted a local news article about ways that tenacity and technology helped a 72 year old cardiology patient recover after her heart stopped working.

The American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) is proud to provide continuing education (CE) activities and patient education resources to help nurse practitioners (NPs) improve the quality of diabetes care in their communities. There are more than a dozen intriguing activities to choose from, including several with pharmacology credit. Register for these free activities (and more) today in the AANP CE Center.

• Best Practices in Achieving Optimal A1C Targets and Post Prandial Glycemic Control (1.0 CE with 1.0 Pharmacology) – This activity provides the most current strategies to achieve postprandial and glucose control using clinical evidence and individualized treatment. Supported by an unrestricted educational grant from Sanofi, this activity is complimentary to AANP members and non-members. In addition, free patient education tools are available to download now. My Diabetes Plan and Diabetes Medications are also available in Spanish!
• Best Practices in the Use of Incretin-based Therapies in the Management of Type 2 Diabetes (1.0 CE with 1.0 Pharmacology) – This activity aims to improve knowledge and competency of nurse practitioners addressing glycemic variability and cardiovascular considerations in patients with T2DM. Supported through an educational grant from Novo Nordisk, Inc., this activity was developed by AANP in cooperation with MCM Education, and it is complimentary to AANP members and non-members.
• Getting Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients to Goal: The Role of New and Emerging Injectable Therapies (1.0 CE with 1.0 Pharmacology) – This activity reviews the newest injectable therapies, including basal analogs and GLP1s, while identifying best practices for selecting, initiating and advancing appropriate injectable therapies. Supported by an educational grant from Novo Nordisk Inc., this activity is complimentary to AANP members and non-members.
• Expert Perspectives on the Evolving Therapeutic Landscape in T2DM (0.5 CE with 0.3 Pharmacology) – This publication incorporates insightful audio clips from discussions with expert nurse practitioners and examines the role of NPs in optimizing treatment with these agents. Supported by an educational grant from Novo Nordisk Inc., this activity was developed by AANP in collaboration with Med-IQ, and is complimentary to AANP members and non-members. Free patient engagement toolkits are also available to download now: What Are GLP-1 Receptor Agonists? and Managing Your Type 2 Diabetes Over Time.

These activities were planned in accordance with AANP Accreditation Standards and Policies. To complete the CE, participants must review all the content, take the online post-test successfully, and submit the online program evaluation. Visit the CE Center to register and view complete details.