In June 2015, the Pennsylvania Joint State Government Commission published their report on “Professional Bedside Nursing in Pennsylvania.” The report points to a clear connection between improved staffing levels and lower rates of adverse outcomes for patients. PSNA advocates for a commonsense, responsible and balanced approach to staffing our hospitals.
PSNA is thoroughly reviewing the report and will issue a statement upon completion.
The PSNA Young Nurse Professionals group will hold a Social & Lifestyles Fair on Thursday, August 6 (6 PM to 9 PM) at The Vineyard and Brewery at Hershey. The $20 cost includes a wine-tasting experience and light refreshments. This is an excellent opportunity to network with colleagues, relax and visit with our “pamper-you” vendors including Mary Kay, Thirty-One and an RN reflexologist. Register today! Interested in vending? Contact jneidig@psna.org.
The Pennsylvania State Nurses Association (PSNA) applauds today’s U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling to uphold the Affordable Care Act (ACA) by preserving tax credit subsidies that have allowed more than 10 million Americans to obtain health insurance coverage.
The number of adults without health insurance dropped to its lowest level in seven years in 2014 as the ACA took full effect. Without the tax credits, many people would have been unable to obtain health insurance, thus limiting their access to routine preventive care and causing insurance costs to rise.
“It remains PSNA’s goal to explore legislative avenues to increase access to quality, affordable health care which results in better patient outcomes,” states PSNA Chief Executive Officer Betsy M. Snook, MEd, BSN, RN. “We laud the work of ANA and continue to stand with our patients as we ensure that every citizen of the Commonwealth receives the health care they need and deserve.”
In conjunction with the American Nurses Association (ANA), PSNA has been a steadfast supporter of the 2010 health care reform law and its provisions to expand access to health care; protect consumers; improve the quality of care; emphasize primary care, care coordination, disease management, and prevention; increase community-based care; and utilize nurses to their fullest capabilities as leaders and essential members of multi-disciplinary health care teams.
In May of this year, Governor Wolf invited PSNA and other stakeholders to take part in a discussion surrounding State-based exchanges should this ruling have gone against the ACA Act. PSNA thanks Governor Wolf for the inclusion of registered nurses throughout this discussion and we look forward to continued health care-related conversations.
Nursing is viewed as the most trusted and caring profession and yet nurse-on-nurse bullying is a reality. Not only does it affect morale and professional self-esteem, but it jeopardizes patient care. When Nurses Hurt Nurses provides guidance on recognizing relationally aggressive behaviors, diffusing confrontational situations and applying interpersonal communication skills. This program equips nurses with tools to recognize relational aggression and promote change. This is an essential resource in creating a safer, more respectful workplace. Pricing for this event is $25 (PSNA members) and $50 (non-members).
Tuesday, Aug. 18: Giant Community Center (2300 Linglestown Rd, Harrisburg), 12 to 4 PM. Click to register.
Thursday, Oct. 29: DeSales University (co-hosted by DeSales University, Dept of Nursing), 12 to 4 PM. Click to register.
REFUND POLICY: Registrations cancelled less than 30 but more than 14 days before the event will be refunded 50% of the registration fees. Registrations cancelled less than 14 days before the event will not be eligible for a refund.
Registration includes the live conference (4.0 CNE) and one copy of the “When Nurses Hurt Nurses Workbook” (3.0 CNE).
The workbook is a collaboration between PSNA, Dr. Cheryl Dellasega and Sigma Theta Tau International.
PSNA is accredited as a provider of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.
PSNA’s Star Leadership Institute will soon be accepting applications for the 2016 class. Dates for the 2016 Institute, held at the Gettysburg Hotel, will be April 27-29 and November 4. Check back soon for details. Interested in sponsoring this event? Contact jneidig@psna.org.
How does access to fresh fruits and vegetables impact health outcomes? How can we support individuals with nutrition-related illness? How can a nurse create sustainability within their health system? On Friday, October 16, 2015, the Environmental Health Committee of the Pennsylvania State Nurses Association (PSNA) will answer these questions – and more – at our conference, “A Healthy Cycle,” at Villanova University, Driscoll Hall Auditorium (9 AM to 3 PM). This group of registered nurses and health care professionals are taking on leadership roles in the rapidly evolving world of environmental health.
Pennsylvania nurses are excited to learn from our keynote speaker, Skye Cornell. Skye is vice president of programs at Wholesome Wave, a national non-profit working to enable underserved consumers to make healthier food choices by increasing access to fresh, local and regional food. With her guidance, Wholesome Wave programs address the impacts of a broken food system that is compromising our health: as individuals, as communities, as economic networks and as a nation. Additional conference sessions include: Preventative Food Bank and Demonstration Kitchen; Health Concerns of Natural Gas Development; Impacts of How Our Food is Grown; and Sustainability Programs in Healthcare.
Mark your calendar for this innovative conference — and check back soon for registration details.
Interested in sponsoring this event? Contact us at jneidig@psna.org.
PSNA continues to monitor the ongoing discussions surrounding the State budget. One of those discussions is a proposal by Governor Wolf to expand the State sales tax to include home healthcare services, nursing and residential care facilities, and ambulatory healthcare services. We believe it will negatively impact our most vulnerable populations by compromising patient care, as well as restricting access to vital health care services. At a time when the nation seeks to continue regulatory and legislative paths to lowering the cost of healthcare, these proposed taxes will significantly increase the overall cost of care.
Nursing care, especially in a patient’s home, is necessary for those patients transitioning home following an illness or for those who, due to a medical condition, cannot leave their home. Homecare nursing is also a safe and effective way to deliver affordable coordinated care. According to a press release issued by Governor Tom Wolf’s office on February 27, 2015: “For every month a resident receives care in the community as opposed to a nursing facility, the Commonwealth is able to save $2,457 per month. In expanding home- and community-based services to more than 5,500 residents, the Commonwealth is offsetting more than $162.2 million in nursing care costs.” The imposition of the sales tax may establish a barrier in the utilization of these services and will cause a financial impact on other areas of healthcare delivery. The inability to access vital nursing care services due to an increase in cost may force Pennsylvania’s citizens into overcrowded emergency rooms, which only exacerbates the cost of healthcare.
Earn 10.0 CNE with PSNA’s Book Club focused on “Nurses Making Policy: From Bedside to Boardroom”. This book, featured at our 2015 Legislative Day, is edited by Rebecca Patton, Margarete Zalon and Ruth Ludwick. Join us for our Club discussions in-person or on the phone. Meetings are August 6 (3 pm), November 9 (3 pm) and January 26 (TBD). Successful completion is participating in the reading and joining the one-hour discussions. PSNA is accredited as a provider of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation. The cost of the education and book is just $65 (+s/h). Order yours today!
The PSNA Young Nurse Professionals group is holding a Paint Nite on June 8th at 7 pm in Scranton. Join us at the Court Street Tavern for casual networking and creativity. Paint the Crazee Daizee with us for just $25 / person. Paint Nite is not an art class — it’s a party! The master artists will walk us through creating a beautiful piece of artwork step-by-step. Reserve your seat here.
The PA Department of Health has issued an announcement regarding photo ID badges. The following individuals must wear photo ID: (1) physicians and employees working at health care facilities licensed by the Department who provide direct care to patients or consumers; (2) all employees and physicians working at the private practice of physicians who provide direct care to patients or consumers; (3) all employees and physicians working at an employment agency who provide direct care to patients and consumers. Read the complete update here.