IOM- Credentialing in Nursing

I just attended a major 2-day IOM workshop in Washington, DC.  The topic was developing research methodologies to measure the effects of credentialing in nursing on patient care outcomes.  The planning committee has been in place for a couple of years.  This was a public forum for final discussions and operationalization of plans to make this a reality.

Attendees were very impressive consisting of the best researchers and scientists in the profession of nursing. Two of my Loyola University graduate professors were there.  Distinguished sponsors included ANCC, National Councils of SBN, special nursing certification organizations, and prominent chief nursing officers.  I am not a researcher or a scientist.  I was there to obtain first hand information of the potential impact on continuing nursing education.  I was invited by ANCC as I am an accreditation appraiser.

Here are my take home points:

• Registered nurses will have to achieve national certification to practice. This has been a successful concept with advanced practice nurses.

• Research is being evaluated and designed to assess the outcomes of patient care rendered by certified RNs.

• Credentialing requirements will go beyond employer mandates... state licensing boards will be brought in a major players in this equation.  

• Licensure = Certification + Continuing Nursing Education to support life long learning. No certification - No RN license.

•  Student nurses must be educated on the importance of certification.  Ha!  As faculty, I ALWAYS discussed this when I taught nursing to RNs and LPNs!  I felt that students must learn early that nursing is a lifelong commitment to ongoing learning and advanced credentials beyond basic licensure!  Oh yeah!!!

Interesting.... a new cohort seems to be evolving... engineers to render care.  This is taking patient care to an all new level!!  WOW!!!

I have two national certifications to support my licenses, professional practice and ongoing edification.  So, I personally welcome this study.  It makes a difference.  I am proud of the quality of care that I rendered to my patients.

The emphasis with IOM and this prominent group of distinguished nurses was not if this should take place but WHEN this will take place.  IOM has spoken!!!  This is going to happen soon!

• First- the movement was the BSN.

• Now- the next step is credentialing.  (In some instances a few speakers used credentialing and certification interchangeably, but there is a difference).

As our country moves toward affordable healthcare, that care will be ensured of a high quality and be delivered by registered nurses who are credentialed in knowledge, skills and attitude. 

This is an exciting and wonderful direction for patients and the nursing profession.

Welcome to the  21st century!

When Worlds Collide

Now that we have arrived into the 21st century, many of us realize we have two worlds.  The real world and and virtual world of the Internet.  I think this is good, but I keep both worlds totally separated and "Never the Twain Shall Meet!".

The Internet world is hidden, anonymous, stealth, and covert. The Internet world is filled with trolls and vicious folks.  But its okay... leave 'em right where they are... right at the computer device.  These folks have long time emotional problems and cannot make logical connections in life.  Hence, when challenged, they reveal a person who is hostile, angry and ignorant.

This happens on many groups where interactions are common and we often have differences in opinions... as we should.  But the vile Internet troll will lash out with anger and hostility.  BUT... this is actually GOOD.  Yes, this is GOOD.  Because now folks can appreciate the importance of never allowing the two worlds to meet.

Often, Internet groups organize "Meet & Greets".  I say... DO NOT DO IT!  DO NOT GO THERE!  Keep those Internet trolls away and always separate from your real world!

Over 20 years ago, healthcare started noticing that newborn babies were very irritated at birth.  School teachers noticed that these children arrived at school with major emotional problems.
 Today, we are noticing an increase in horrible crimes.  Well, these situations show the connection from the "crack babies" of the 1990's to the criminals today.  The same "crack babies" are the criminals online.   Now you want to organize a "Meet & Greet" with folks you never met?

Forget About It!

Let us make sure these worlds do not collide.  I advise folks to be careful about "Meet & Greet" events with Internet folks you never met or worked with in the real world.

The Truthful Facebook Meme

Let me analyze this very truthful Facebook meme.  It is so very straight-forward and truthful.
1. The ability to add as a "friend" is a computer task.  There is no depth to the word "friend" on Facebook. In most instances of 500 to 1000 "friends", you do not even know most of these fiends!  Yes, FIENDS!
2. I am aware that then a Facebook "friend" is seen in person, folks do not even speak to each other.  Remember, it is just a click of a mouse... NOTHING ELSE!
3. Relationships posted only seem perfect. 
4. Text messaging often leads to starting an affair without ever meeting.
5. There are so many liars and hypocrites  on Facebook, it is unbelievable. 
6. This is an ideal venue for enemies to gain insight into your life.  They will not go directly to your timeline... they will view through a "friends" post. 
7. Family and friends HAVE to block, unfriend and ban you!  You give us no choice!
8. We have the right to update what is on our minds, its your call how to interpret... usually you are correct.
9. In most instances, I am indeed talking about you, but in Facebook I never have to admit it.
10. Keep this stuff simple. Most of all, do not post on other folks timeline!

Facebook is really wonderful.  Over the years, I no longer accept all requests for "friends".  I have blocked and fought with too many folks.  So, I limit access nowadays.

I have more to say... but nevermind...

The Importance of Facebook

I have always enjoyed Facebook.  But, yesterday, I really took notice of Facebook's value when connecting with others.  Here's what happened...

My defining characteristic is to connect with friends and colleagues by dinning at a nice restaurant with good food, fine wine, uplifting conversations and photo ops for Facebook.  This is how I roll.

Sitting at home, listening to folks on the telephone whine, wail, and complain is no longer acceptable.  I will no longer engage in that type of situation.  There are psychologists, psychiatrists, therapists and church workers who tend to those issues... not me.  Those professionals are not going to listen over the phone.  You have to go in... face to face.  Hence, I will not be used as a short-cut.  I will not engage.

Anyhoo..... I do this dinner thing in so many wonderful ways.  Nursing dinning meetings, conferences and even on my own.  It is important to stay connected with folks in positive ways.

Yesterday, I met my long time friend Sallie at the Glenwood Oaks Rib and Chophouse. We dine out about 3 to 4 times per year.  We are blessed to be able to go to nice restaurants with those beautiful backdrops that permit for uplifting, engaging conversations over good food and fine wine.  The ambiance is so nice, we do this more and more frequently.

Whenever I go out, I take photos to share on Facebook.  It is important for folks to see quality friendships and positive spins on life.

Last night, I uploaded photos from the evening dinning, and a colleague recognized my friend!!!  They both are in the same union!!!!  Now, I envision this little group growing to a party of three.  Both are hard workers, long time friends of mine and are both positive folks!  This is great!!!

Had it not been for the photo-sharing on Facebook, this connection would have never been known!

SWA flight instructions MDW to DCA

August 2014 SWA MDW to DCA

The Art of Active Listening

Yesterday, a co-worker provided me with a 1:1 training on a survey system called Qualtrics.  I am so very smart!  I kept my mouth shut and actively LISTENED to my co-worker.  Most folks cannot do that.  They just have to run their mouth non-stop!

It is not often that I am trained on a concept.  BUT, when those rare opportunities present, I keep my mouth shut and I listen!  Then, after the training session, I went directly to the software to test and apply my new knowledge.

It worked!  It worked BIG TIME!!!!

In a 24-hour period, I successfully achieved proficiency with a complex system.

For most of my career in nursing.  I have been responsible for training and teaching others.  Most folks are idiots.  They cannot shut up!  They just have to run their big fat mouth instead of listening!  Hence, the knuckleheads struggle. 

Rule #1 and perhaps the ONLY rule....
When you are being trained... SHUT UP YOUR BIG FAT MOUTH and listen to your trainer!

Enough said.