Kansas Emergency Nurses Association

State Council Meeting

April 10, 2009

 

Attendance:  Carol Kappelman, Diane Haines, Marcina Doze, Gwen Philbrook, Jenny McCracken, Denise Spaeth, Mitch Jewett, Brian Selig, Karlene Baxa, Stella Riney, Aggie Weigel, Darlene Whitlock, Julie Unruh, Elaine Swisher, Pat Rackley, Lynette Kornelson, Emma Doherty, Susan McDaniel

 

Call to order:  Meeting called to order by the State President, Carol Kappelman, at 10:30 am.  Introductions were made.

 

Agenda:  Motion and made and seconded to approve the agenda.  Motion carried.

 

Minutes:  Motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes with the following corrections:  Darlene stated that she did not need to be reimbursed for Dec 2008 mileage for attendance at KSNA leadership conferences.  February minutes reflect the payment of web domain costs as separate from the total website expenses. The other expense is the management or operator fee. Motion carried.

 

President’s report: 

  • Carol reported that she was still recruiting to fill the EN 411 3rd District slot (Rep Dennis Moore).  Those members that might fill this (that reside in this district) are:  Kelly, Carol, and Janie.  Carol will follow up with these members to assess for interest and report at the next meeting.
  • She reported the recent Leadership conference at Reno, NV presented the General Assembly Retooling survey results.  If interested, Carol can share these results. 
  • KENA state chapter has the honor of being the 3rd highest in voter return for elections.  However, we only have a 14.6% return rate, so encouraged increased participation in the May-June elections.  Elections will open May 14 and close June 12.  Remember our own Mitch Jewett is running for Director. 
  • From the Delegate Training Session at Leadership conference in Reno there was much discussion about how the different states manage their delegates. One state has an online training course. That idea was presented as something that national should consider. 
  • The ENA public policy statement regarding health care issues is now posted on the website.  
  • Applications for committees/work teams are posted on the website.  Sign up if interested.

 

President Elect report:  Darlene encouraged everyone to support Mitch and VOTE

 

Board Liaison’s report:  Mitch reported that while overall there has been a 36% increase in membership, Kansas has dropped 20 members.  There is a potential loss for more members, as hospital support of involvement in professional organizations is decreasing due to budget cuts.  Hot topics board meeting is being held this week.

 

Treasurer’s report:  Lynette reported that $10,000 was removed from checking and savings and converted to CD’s.  She distributed the finalized 2009 budget, which was reviewed by members present.  It was motioned and seconded to accept the budget.  Motion carried.

 

Secretary’s report: no report

 

Committee Reports:

 

  1. Communication—
    • Stella reported that Hoisington will host the August 14, 2009 meeting.  She distributed new cards for future meetings with information as follows:  6/12—Wichita;  8/14—Hoisington; 9/25—Hutchinson; 12/11—KU med. 
    • The bill for the website was submitted $799.35.  This is the $149.35 for the domain and the $650 for David’s work.
    • There is now access to committee as well as individual committee members on the website.  You simply click on the committee name and you can either e-mail the entire committee, or can select an individual member for your communication.

 

  1. Strategic Plan—

·         Denise reported they are looking at the national strategic plan and making revisions for the KENA strategic plan. 

·         They also discussed having a professionally designed poster promoting ENA and KENA which would be disseminated to post in ED’s in the state. 

·         Some states are sponsoring contests for new membership enrollment.  This might be something we would want to investigate further. 

·         There was also discussion of possibly using some of our monies to promote membership by assisting with education of the members (payment for TNCC, ENPC classes).  Exploration of ways to help build the ENA name recognition with the general public was discussed (tie in with Injury Prevention Programs, ER nurses week, etc.). 

·         Another means of promoting KENA recognition might be to assist in promoting the CEN exam, either through sponsoring a CEN review, assistance in reimbursement for those who successfully complete the CEN certification, or purchasing a bulk order of CEN review books and gifting them to ED’s throughout the state.  She also discussed ideas of disseminating new information in the changing standards of care, evidence-based practice issues by possibly mailing out these changes to ED Directors to promote ENA/KENA.  It was felt that this would have the greatest impact if we had personal contacts with the facilities to have key names of directors, nurse managers, or Nursing Directors for smaller facilities that do not have ED Directors.

·         Carol encouraged involvement from other committees to work with Denise on the KENA Strategic Plan.

 

  1. Bylaws—Susan continues to review and will report her progress to the group at the next meeting

 

  1. Education/Trauma—

·         Darlene reported that the date of the Trauma Summit at Rolling Hills has been set for July 24, 2009.  She is still taking suggestions for speakers and topics.  Those that have ideas were encouraged to follow up with her.

·         KSNA continues to have financial issues, as they continue to own both properties.  To respond to this (as was discussed at the last meeting), KENA has engaged their assistance in sponsoring the CE’s for the trauma summit, but will pay for the costs associated with this.

 

  1. General Assembly/Nominating—

·         Gwen reported that the delegate form will be amended then placed back on the website.  Applications must be to Gwen by the June 5. 2009 for the Baltimore conference.  Delegate applications must be accompanied by supporting documentation, such as education, number of state meetings attended, and committee involvement (time of committee involvement should be noted, even if it is for a partial year).  It was suggested that it might be helpful for applicants to also send verification of involvement in teaching of ENA classes taught. 

·         The deadline for application/interest in 2009 KENA officers is rapidly approaching.  Anyone interested should e-mail your request and bio to Gwen by July 1.  Anyone who is not interested in an office, but would like to assist Gwen with the election should let her know ASAP.   It’s a big job and she would welcome the help

 

  1. Government Affairs—

·         Jenny reviewed the results of the survey from attendees.  There was a marked preference to change the dates to Sun-Mon-Tues and go to the Capitol on Tuesday, since more legislators would be in their offices at this time.  However, due to finances (weekend costs of motels are cheaper), the decision was made to continue to Sat-Sun-Mon schedule.

·         The house passed EMSC

·         Darlene reported that the Graduated Drivers License (GDL) bill passed!!  It will go into effect in January 2010.  The primary seat belt proposal was stalled in committee by a legislator in Larkin, Ks.  There is a very small chance it might be attached to another bill for a vote.  She strongly encouraged an e-mail campaign to legislators to encourage this to happen, as response to e-mail campaigns has been very effective in the past.  Darlene will send out more details of the above for any individual members to rally a response from their legislators.

 

  1. Fund Raising—the new KENA pins are in and available for purchase.  Contact Carol if you are interested in purchasing pins.

 

  1. Membership—Marcina emphasized the need to get the KENA name out there!  There was a discussion of possibly sending out individual invitations for involvement and attendance to the meetings to each ED.  There was also discussed about possibly sending out members to hospitals to discuss the role of ENA/KENA and the benefits in involvement in our professional organizations.  It was felt by members present that we all need to take responsibility in promoting involvement in our professional organization.  As discussed earlier, it was felt that having a specific name for mailing/discussion at each hospital would have the greatest impact. 

 

  1. Certification/Media Relations—Carol reported for Janie that there has been no activity for either.  There was more discussion of looking at the possibility of KENA sponsoring a CEN review course.

 

10.Student Nurse Relations—no report

 

11. Volunteer Resources—Carol reported that Indiana has decided to challenge all its members to volunteer in the community for one hour each month. She said she had interpreted the idea of this committee differently. She understood it was to work on ways for ENA members to volunteer and be involved on whatever level or time commitment the member was willing to give in the ENA organization. Mitch verified his understanding was the same as Carol expressed.

 

12.Trauma/ENPC—

·         Darlene reviewed upcoming dates of TNCC classes scheduled.  She also reported one TNCC instructor from Labette county was dropped as an instructor as they weren’t able to complete the TNCC Instructor Update in over a year, although have been given three opportunities to do so. 

·         She also reviewed recent ENPC instructor courses completed.

·         There was discussion about the linking of the KENA website to the national website so TNCC/ENPC courses submitted to national would download onto the state website. This is not possible.  Darlene will continue to refer inquires about classes to the national website for the official listing.

 

 

12.    Chapter Reports—

·         EKENA—Elaine reported 4 new nurses attended the March meeting hosted by Olatha Medical Center.  The May 13th meeting will be held at Lawrence Memorial Hospital, from 6-8p.  Dinner will be catered.  Dr. Dreiling, a Lawrence cardiologist, will present ACS care in the ED as well as the latest ACC recommendations (1 CE will be offered).  A flyer will be circulated to EKENA members within the next week for RSVP.  Any other members who wish to attend should contact Carol, who can send them the flyer.

·         ENACK—Deb reported that 10 members attended the March meeting held at the Carriage Crossing.  Future meetings are:  May 18th at 6:30 at Carriage Crossing; July 27th will be a swim party (more details will be forthcoming); Sept 28—will be at Carriage Crossing.

 

13.    Injury Prevention/Scholarship—no report

 

ACT/EMSC/Safe Kids: 

  • Darlene reported that National Safe Kids week is coming up in May.  There will be a meeting at the Governor’s mansion.
  • EMSC is getting reorganized.  They are focusing on getting EMS equipped with appropriated sized pediatric equipment.
  • Darlene reported that there was a $300,000 amount of unused funds derived from fines from the current primary seatbelt law (for individuals under the age of 18).  This was to be split three ways between the Department of Revenue, the Board of EMS, and Trauma Center Development.  Since the Trauma Center Development representative was not present at the last meeting, it was decided by the Board of EMS that this amount would be splint between the Department of Revenue and the Board of EMS.  Darlene strongly suggested an e-mail campaign to legislators to continue a three-way split of these funds.
  • The next meeting for ACT is May 13th.  Monies we pledged from the last meeting to fund TNCC in the six regional areas will be dispersed through the six regional trauma councils. 
  • Lt Colonel Groves will present at the LMH Trauma Summit on May 13th (Summit is from 1100—1630 for those interested in attending.  For more information, contact Elaine).  Lt. Col. Groves is also writing a book on his experiences in trauma care.
  • Jean Proehl is presenting at the Stormont Vail Trauma Summit the evening of August 27th as well as August 28th.  Her topic will be trauma nursing procedures.  For more information, contact Darlene.
  • Randy Mitchell asked for prayers for soldier safety with the Easter holiday and an increase in attacks on Christians.
  • The state STEMI and Stroke committees are working on destination protocols/standards of care.

 

Old Business:

  • ENAF State Challenge to raise $1/member via fundraising or through payment from our treasury was discussed.  This helps pay for scholarships for ENA members for advanced degrees.  It was moved and seconded that we donate $500 as we had budgeted, but also “pass the hat” at this meeting and the next to see if we can increase our state donation.  Motion carried.
  • Support for KSNA—previously discussed (see Education/Trauma)
  • EN 411 recruitment for 3rd District—previously discussed (see President’s report)

 

New Business:

  • The issue was raised as to funding lunches for the state meetings for those facilities not able to cover this expense.  One options presented  was to have lunches sponsored by drug reps in exchange for setting aside 30-60 minutes for their presentation.  It was decided that the addition of an extra hour wouldn’t be advantageous for those members who drive a great distance to attend the meeting. 

 

Next meeting will be held June 12th in Wichita.  Location of meeting will be announced prior to the next meeting.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Elaine Swisher