Dr. Sellars Educate

The "Future of Nursing" (FON) report identified their 1st key message was to emphasize the importance of nurses using their skills, knowledge,and training to practice within their scope.  The biggest barrier to this occurring has been the individual state's regulations regarding scope of practice for nurses.  Every state has their own board of nursing, that's right, every state decides what the scope of nursing practice should be.  Having traveled quite a bit as a military wife, I can tell you that this creates a lot of confusion and often times, disappointment.  Obviously I strongly support this initiative, but it will require a lot of legislative and bureaucratic support to move this forward.  The article also points out that in 2002 the Joint Commission recommended an increase in the number of nurse residency programs to support nurses to develop skills and competencies in specialized areas to strengthen their clinical knowledge.  It is now 2011 and I th...

It's a new day...and year for nursing.  We are gearing up in California for the ACNL (Association of California Nurse Leaders) Annual Meeting in Sacramento next month.  I am registered and excited about the learning and networking opportunities.  The conference will open on Sunday with committee meetings, of which I am a member of the voice of nursing leaders, nursing leadership subcommittee.  It will be an exciting time to discuss the next steps for nursing leaders in California, and around the country as we partner, like never before with our MD colleagues, fellow administrators, and even politicians, to re-empower nursing.  This week the Congress will reconvene in Washington, DC and I'm hopeful that we will hear more soon about additional funding for nurse education programs.  Look forward to an update on my next blog.  Lots more to come...stay tuned.  All the best, Nurse Leader