NEW YORK NURSE: November 2010
Members of the Public Health group were interested in the status of ServNY. Noting that public health nurses should be viewed as first responders, the group plans to develop a position statement about disaster planning and preparation. Another goal is completing a position statement on public health nursing and violence.
The group suggested members use NYSNA’s Facebook site to communicate their practice issues with the Council on Nursing Practice. Members discussed the Child Safe Protection Act of 2010, which relates to child abuse and community outreach.
This group’s primary concern was violence against nurses in mental health settings and the staffing shortage that contributes to the problem. The group also discussed the upcoming Monaco ruling on the use of as-needed medication to manage patients in this setting.
Nurses in this meeting shared examples of how access to care for the elderly is a continuing concern. While there are options like care vouchers and volunteer drivers, access remains a problem for many. Abuse of elders is also a concern. Members were reminded to report any suspected incidences of abuse. Some members shared that RNs in long term care facilities are being replaced with LPNs, noting the ratio of RNs is decreasing and this will impact the quality of care.
Members voiced their concern about lack of experienced preceptors to mentor new graduates hired for the emergency department and critical care areas. Patients in some facilities are arriving on the units before other patients are discharged and are left to wait in the hallway without privacy or proper nursing care until their rooms are ready. Changes in the care surrounding end of life were also discussed.