Infectious Diseases - Alaska Nurses Association

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THE
The Official
Publication of the
Alaska Nurses
Association.
Circulation 9,000.
Distributed to every Registered Nurse
and Licensed Practical Nurse in Alaska.
Volume 65, Issue 6
December 2014 / January 2015
Infectious Diseases
THE official publication of
THE Alaska Nurses Association
President’s Letter
3701 E Tudor Rd., Ste. 208 • Anchorage, AK 99507
907.274.0827 • www.aknurse.org
Jana Shockman, RN, CCRN-CSC
Published bimonthly: Feb., April, June, Aug., Oct., Dec.
Materials may not be reproduced without written permission
from the Editorial Committee: Contact [email protected]
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AaNA Board of Directors
• President:
Jana Shockman, RN, CCRN-CSC
• Vice President:
Jane Erickson, ADN, RN, CCRN
• Secretary:
Phi Tran, MSHS, BSN, RN
• Treasurer:
Jennifer Hazen, BSN, RN
• Staff Nurse Director:
Arlene Briscoe, RN-BC
• Rural Director:
Nelly Ayala, MSN, RN
• Greater Alaska Director:
Juanita Reese, BA, BSN, RN, CEN
• Labor Council Chair (Designee):
Donna Phillips, BSN, RN
• Directors At Large:
Shelley Burlison, RN-BC
Janet Pasternak, BA, BSN, RN
Paul Mordini, MS, BSN, RN-BC
Kimberly Kluckman, RN
Yvette Le Sueur, BSN, RN
• Student Nurse Liaisons:
Leanne Pizzi – UAA
Teresa Beitel – Charter College
AaNA Labor Council
• ChaiR:
Donna Phillips, BSN, RN
• Vice-Chair:
Jana Shockman, RN, CCRN-CSC
• SECRETARY:
• Treasurer:
Jennifer Hazen, BSN, RN
• Directors:
Arlene Briscoe, RN
Lila Elliott, BSN, RN
Yvette Le Sueur, BSN, RN
Jane Erickson, ADN, RN, CCRN
• PAMC BU Rep:
Jennifer Hazen, BSN, RN
• soldotna BU Rep:
Shelley Burlison, RN-BC
• KETCHIKAN BU Rep:
Susan Walsh, RN
• Affiliate Organizations:
Alaska Affiliate of the American College of Nurse-Midwives
Alaska Home Care & Hospice Association
Alaska Association of Nurse Anesthetists
Alaska Nurse Practitioner Association
Alaska School Nurses Association
Alaska Clinical Nurse Specialist Association
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2
Alaska Nurses Association President • Anchorage, AK
Last month I was able to attend the
Alaska Women’s Summit 2014. One of
the sessions that particularly resonated
with me was entitled, “Redefining ‘Like a
Girl’.”(1) Why is the connotation of doing
things “like a girl” not a positive image?
For example the statement “you throw like
a girl” brings to mind someone who can’t
throw the ball very far or very accurately
instead of the image of Cat Osterman
pitching her way to an Olympic Gold
medal.
I would like to take this example one
step farther and ask you all to consider
what it means to “do it like a nurse?” Do
you immediately think of Nurse Ratched
or maybe “Hot Lips” Houlihan? Or do
you think of the four nurses who cared
for victims of the 1925 Nome diphtheria
epidemic? Or maybe you think of the
nurses who carried NICU babies down
15 flights of stairs bagging them as they
hurried to evacuate the New York City
hospital stricken by Hurricane Sandy.
Being a nurse is something that is part
of us. It is not merely a job. I don’t know
many other occupations that require 12
hour shifts, including nights, weekends and
holidays, risk of illness and injury, and the
emotional highs and lows that nurses deal
with every day.
Nurses became the focus of much
media attention as America had to deal
with the Ebola virus within our shores for
the first time. The American healthcare
system was caught unaware with outdated
PPE and isolation recommendations, and a
lack of adequate screening tools to identify
patients with exposure to or infection with
the Ebola virus. The media exploded with
information and misinformation about what
Ebola is, how it is spread, and how to protect
ourselves. When two nurses in Texas became
infected after caring for the first patient in the
US with Ebola the immediate response was
that they must have done something wrong.
The blame game was the talk of the nation
as these nurses began the fight for their lives.
Nurses and nursing organizations throughout
the country mobilized quickly to support
the Texas nurses and demand the CDC and
the government examine current protocols
and standards related to caring for Ebola
patients. Nurses led the national conversation
discovering gaps in protocols and standards
of care.
On October 29th, AACN PresidentElect Karen McQuillan discussed member
concerns and learnings at an invitation-only
White House Ebola meeting. AACN was one
of a small group of nursing professional
organizations, including ANA and ENA,
invited for a dialogue with Ron Klain, Ebola
response coordinator, and other officials
working on the Ebola response.
On November 7th, leaders of the
coalition group Nursing Community testified
before the Senate appropriations committee
and reinforced the critical role that nurses
have as front line care providers, deployment
of best practices, and educating patients
and communities, all to minimize the risk of
the Ebola Virus Disease and other emerging
diseases in the United States and around the
world. Nursing Community is a coalition of
61 professional nursing organizations. This
coalition demonstrates the full commitment
from national nursing organizations,
Inside This Issue
2
3
4
7
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President’s Letter
Open Enrollment
A Community Effort: Anti-Vaccines
AsNA New Board Members
Personal Protection for Eboli
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Cover Photo: The Ebola Virus. CDC/ Cynthia S. Goldsmith
T h e o f f i c i a l P u b l i c at i o n o f t h e A l as k a N u r s e s A s s o c i at i o n
2014 Heart Walk
Patient Safety Series Part One
Viruses: What We Need to Know
Nurse Hall of Fame Inductees
Calendar of Events
w w w. aknurs e .org
representing a broad spectrum of care
delivery, to engage with all healthcare
stakeholders as the nation responds to the
Ebola Virus Disease locally and globally.
These are just a couple of examples
of how nurses have stood up to demand a
seat at the table and have provided a voice
of reason in the maelstrom of America’s
response to Ebola. On the local level I
know of nurses that are working within
their facilities to establish protocols and
plans for dealing with Ebola should it arrive
in Alaska. Nurses are training each other
about screening and PPE donning and
doffing. Nurses are playing a central role in
preparations for Ebola.
Right now I’m so proud to be a nurse.
This is a perfect example of why I’m always
encouraging you all to get involved and join
the voice of nurses as leaders in America’s
healthcare delivery system. I’m proud to
belong to the profession that stands up
for patients and healthcare providers. The
profession that demonstrates heroism in
the small things we do every day as well as
during a national crisis like Hurricane Sandy.
Come on, I dare you to “Do it like a
Nurse!”
(1)
YouTube, Always #LikeAGirl
Open Enrollment is on Now for 2015
In an hhs.gov press release, Health and
Human Services Secretary Sylvia Burwell stated:
“consumers who are renewing their coverage
or signing up for the first time will have an
opportunity to obtain quality health coverage
at a price they can afford. Whether consumers
visit the simpler, faster and more intuitive
HealthCare.gov or contact the call center, they’re
going to find more choices and competitive
prices.” The following information is directly from
the hhs.gov press release.
Open Enrollment for the Health Insurance
Marketplace runs through Feb. 15, 2015.
Consumers should visit HealthCare.gov to
review and compare health plan options
and find out if they are eligible for financial
assistance, which can help pay monthly
premiums and reduce out-of-pocket costs when
receiving services. All consumers shopping for
health insurance coverage for 2015— even
those who currently have coverage through
the Marketplace — should enroll or re-enroll
between November 15 and December 15 in
order to have coverage effective on Jan. 1, 2015.
A number of different resources are
available to help consumers find Marketplace
coverage. They can get more information
through HealthCare.gov or CuidadoDeSalud.
gov. Consumers can find local help at: Localhelp.
healthcare.gov or call the Federally-facilitated
Marketplace Call Center at 1-800-318-2596. TTY
users should call 1-855-889-4325. Assistance is
available in 150 languages. The call is free.
The Marketplace includes a Small Business
Health Option Program (SHOP), designed to give
small businesses new health insurance options
and a simpler way to cover their employees. The
SHOP is available to small employers with 50 or
fewer full-time equivalent employees. Starting
tomorrow, November 15, 2014, the SHOP
Marketplace will allow qualifying employers
to find, compare, purchase, and enroll in 2015
SHOP health and dental coverage entirely online
through HealthCare.gov. Employees will be able
to view offers of insurance from their employer
and enroll online through HealthCare.gov. Small
businesses and their employees can get help
from the toll-free SHOP Marketplace call center
at 1-800-706-7893 or for TTY, call 711. The hours
are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. EST.
To sign up for individual and family
coverage, visit: https://www.healthcare.gov/
apply-and-enroll/. To sign up for small business
coverage, visit: https://www.healthcare.gov/
small-businesses/. For more information about
Health Insurance Marketplaces, visit: www.
healthcare.gov/marketplace.
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EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
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T H E A L AS K A N U R S E • D E C E M B E R 20 14- January 201 5
3
A Community Effort:
Practices and Information for Communicating with Vaccine-Hesitant Patients
A steadily growing number of adults are
threatening the peace, health, and well-being
of our entire country. They are mothers,
fathers, educators, artists, physicians,
executives, and entrepreneurs. They work in
technology, hospitality, manufacturing, natural
resource development, media, and the
financial sector. These adults form groups,
both unsanctioned and official, to perpetuate
their cause.
It might sound like I’m describing a type
of radicalized political group, but I’m not.
Unfortunately, that doesn’t make this group’s
ideologies any less alarming or its effects
any less dangerous. If the group keeps
growing, the health of Americans will become
increasingly jeopardized – particularly the
health of those most vulnerable in our
society.
I’m talking for those who belong to
and support the cause of the anti-vaccine
movement. By not vaccinating themselves
2014 Recommended Immunizations for Children from Birth Through 6 Years Old
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ust go back to your child’s
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§
1 The State of Alaska distributes PedvaxHib vaccine to enrolled health care providers who provide immunization services to prevent Hib disease. It is 3 dose series recommended at 2 months, 4
months, and 12 months.
Formoreinformationvisit
See back page
FOOTNOTES: * Two doses given at least four weeks apart are recommended for children aged 6 months through 8 years
Twoand
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information on
group.The first dose of HepA vaccine should be
Two doses of HepA vaccine are needed for lasting age
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HepA vaccination may be given to any child 12 months
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areagainst
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of HepA vaccine should be given between 12 months and 23 months of age. The second dose should be given 6 to 18 months
adolescents who did not receive the HepA vaccine and are at high-risk, should be vaccinated against HepA.
diseases and the
later. HepA vaccination may be given to any child 12 months andvaccines
older to protect
against HepA. Children and adolescents who did not receive the HepA vaccine and are at a high risk should be
that
If your child has any medical conditions that put him at risk for infection or is traveling outside the
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Questions?ContacttheAlaska
ImmunizationHelplineat
[email protected]
or1-888-430-4321
e information, call toll free
DC-INFO (1-800-232-4636)
or visit
www.cdc.gov/vaccines
4
2014 Recommended Immunizations for
Children from Birth Through 6 Years Old
Recommended Immunizations for Children from Birth Through 6 Years Old
epB (1-2
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Recommended Immunizations for Children from Birth Through 6 Years Old
ib, Polio,
epB (6-18
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greater than the dangers of long-eradicated
diseases. For this reason, parents are
choosing to not immunize their children.
The threat of mercury that could ruin your
child’s brain; the fear of causing autism
by vaccinating your children; the potential
allergic reactions and adverse reactions;
the strain of overloading and weakening the
immune system. These are all threats to the
health and safety of children that seem much
more imminent and likely than the potential
to catch an illness that no one has faced for
fifty years.
Which begs the question: Who has
the responsibility to reach out to these
parents and community members who are
speaking out against vaccines? Who has
the responsibility to educate them and lay
their unfounded fears to rest? The answer,
according to most, is healthcare providers.
In fact, the National Vaccine Advisory
Committee (NVAC) – which develops
standards for both pediatric and adult
immunization practice – stresses that all
and their children, and encouraging and
educating others to do the same, these
anti-vaccine proponents are indeed
threatening the health of our society.
The worst part is that most of them do
not believe or understand just how dire
the consequences of their actions. I’m
certain that a majority of those who
repudiate vaccine science do so with
good intentions, hoping to protect their
families and loved ones from what they
believe are the truly harmful substances
and devastating adverse effects of
immunizations.
Any cursory Google search will bring
up thousands upon thousands of hits
on websites, blogs, and videos claiming
to tell the “truth” about the dangers of
vaccines. To those who have not studied
science, these pseudo-science-backed
claims frequently appear legitimate and
are frightening. The urge to protect one’s
children is strong, and for many it appears
that the dangers of vaccines are far
By Andrea Nutty
T h e o f f i c i a l P u b l i c at i o n o f t h e A l as k a N u r s e s A s s o c i at i o n
w w w. aknurs e .org
healthcare professionals need to work to ensure
that their patients are immunized, regardless
of whether the healthcare worker provides
vaccines or not.
The CDC and NVAC have set forth the
following practice standards for all healthcare
professionals:
• ASSESS immunization status of all your
patients at every clinical encounter.
• Stay informed. Get the latest CDC
recommendations for immunization of adults
and pediatric patients.
• Implement protocols and policies. Ensure that
patients’ vaccine needs are routinely reviewed
and patients get reminders about vaccines
they need.
• Strongly RECOMMEND vaccines that patients
need.
• Share tailored reasons why vaccination is
right for the patient.
• Highlight positive experiences with
vaccination.
• Address patient questions and concerns.
• Remind patients that vaccines protect them
and their loved ones against a number of
common and serious diseases.
• Explain the potential costs of getting sick.
• ADMINISTER needed vaccines or REFER
your patients to a vaccination provider.
• Offer the vaccines you stock.
• Refer patients to providers in the area that
offer vaccines that you don’t stock.
• DOCUMENT vaccines received by your
patients.
• Participate in your state’s immunization
registry. Help your office, your patients, and
your patients’ other providers know which
vaccines your patients have had.
• Follow up. Confirm that patients received
recommended vaccines that you referred
them to get from other immunization
providers.
The CDC also has resources to assist
providers in communicating with patients and
patients’ parents who have questions and
concerns about vaccines. I strongly recommend
viewing these resources, which can be found
at www.cdc.gov/vaccines/conversations. These
resources are an important reminder that a
uniform approach will not work with all of your
patients. The CDC offers to following advice to
providers: Some patients will prefer anecdotal
evidence over detailed scientific evidence, and
vice versa. Some patients will pepper you with
a long list of questions and will not be easily
dissuaded from their anti-vaccine views, while
others just need a gentle push towards receiving
immunizations. What each patient does need
is a provider who is willing to take time out of a
hectic schedule to patiently listen to and address
(See Anti-Vaccine page 6)
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5
Anti-Vaccine (continued from page 5)
concerns. Providers must keep the
conversation going and must show respect
for patients’ opinions and questions. It is
imperative that the trust the patient has
placed in you is not eroded.
Unfortunately, it is often the case
that addressing concerns and providing
evidence in favor of vaccination does not
work for the most steadfast of anti-vaccine
proponents. In reality, even
the best-crafted pro-vaccine
messages do not always
work. And sometimes, they
can be truly harmful.
A recent study in the
journal Pediatrics, “Effective
Messages in Vaccine
Promotion: A Randomized
Trial” concluded that “Current
public health communications
about vaccines may not
be effective. For some
parents, they may actually
increase misperceptions or
reduce vaccination intention.
Attempts to increase concerns
about communicable
diseases or correct false
claims about vaccines may
be especially likely to be
counterproductive.”
Ouch. It would appear
that perhaps our “best
practices” for getting patients
vaccinated are not so great,
after all. It seems that some
of our patients mistrust in
vaccines also extends to
a mistrust of healthcare
providers, or at the very
least that vaccine mistrust
often outweighs trust in
providers. This does not mean
that current recommended
practices should be
abandoned. As it stands now,
the recommendations from
the CDC and NVAC are the
best practices we have in
addressing immunization-hesitant parents
and patients. Regardless, it is apparent
that more research is needed to develop
better “best” practices.
For the most dogmatic anti-vaccine
patients, the answer to waylaying false
beliefs may not lie with the healthcare
provider at all. A second study publishing
in the journal Pediatrics, “Sources and
Perceived Credibility of Vaccine-Safety
Information for Parents” found that
6
although healthcare professionals continue
to be the most trusted source for vaccinesafety information among the majority of
patients and parents, 15% of respondents
reported placing “a lot of trust” in family
and friends, and 67% of respondents place
“some trust” in family and friends. 24% of
respondents put “some trust” in celebrities
for vaccine-safety information, and 2%
trusted celebrities “a lot.” What’s more is
that 73% of parents “placed at least some
trust in parents who believe that their child
was harmed by a vaccine.” Effectively, one
anecdotal story by a parent who believes
their child was harmed by a vaccine is
enough to sow seeds of vaccine doubt in
nearly three-out-of-four parents’ minds.
The study concluded that “results
indicate that different groups of parents
seek and trust information from [different
sources]. Those who design public
T h e o f f i c i a l P u b l i c at i o n o f t h e A l as k a N u r s e s A s s o c i at i o n
health efforts to provide evidence-based
information must recognize that different
strategies may be required to reach some
groups of parents who are currently using
other information sources. In particular …
electronic means of communication and
social-networking web sites, newer methods
of promulgation should be explored.”
Providers and healthcare experts still
don’t have all the answers on how to stop
the anti-vaccine movement. We should
realize though that it is now
time to think outside the box.
Since parents and patients
receive so much vaccinesafety information online
today and frequently trust
other parents and anecdotal
evidence as much as science,
websites such as “Voices for
Vaccines: Parents Speaking
Up For Immunization” (www.
voicesforvaccines.org) should
be considered as potential
tools in practice. The website
features a blog (among other
resources) that details stories
from parents and healthcare
providers. There is even a
category called “Anti-Vax to
Pro-Vax” in which providers
and parents share the tales
of how they switched from
distrusting immunizations
to becoming proponents for
vaccinations. Other categories
include “Teens for Vaccines”
and “Natural Parenting” as
well as a campaign called “I
Vaccinate Because”. It would
be delinquent to not consider
directing parents and patients
to these alternative sources of
information.
Do you have a story or
practice tip to share? How
have you helped patients
overcome fears of vaccines?
I believe that the ability to
change minds on vaccines
belongs to community
members as well as healthcare providers.
We need to identify parents and patients
within our practice settings who are able to
be voices for vaccines and encourage them
to speak with friends, family members, and
neighbors who may be fearful or questioning
of immunizations. Our effort to vaccinate
is not just a public and community health
effort; it is an effort belonging to our entire
community.
w w w. aknurs e .org
AaNA Welcomes New Board Members
By Andrea Nutty
The results of the AaNA 2014 Board of
Directors Election were presented at the AaNA
General Assembly on October 5th. We are
proud to welcome three new Board members
and one returning Board member. Elected
to the Board were Phi Tran, Secretary; Nelly
Ayala, Rural Director; Juanita Reese, Greater
Alaska Director; and Paul Mordini, Director at
Large.
Phi Tran, MSHS, BSN, RN was elected as
Board Secretary. Phi has 9 years of experience
as a nurse and resides in Anchorage, Alaska.
Phi is an active duty U.S. Air Force Member
and currently works as the Peri-Anesthesia
Element Chief of the 673rd Medical Group
at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson. Phi also
has experience as a PACU nurse manager,
pediatric clinical nurse, GI clinical nurse, and
in med-surg. Phi is an active member of many
nursing organizations, including the American
Nurses Association and the Society of Air
Force Nurses. Phi is fluent in Vietnamese.
Nelly Ayala, MSN, RN was elected as Board
Rural Director. Nelly has 4 years of experience
as a nurse and splits her time between
Anchorage, Alaska and rural communities in
the Bristol Bay area, where she works as Public
Health Nurse III for the State of Alaska. Nelly
is a member of many nursing organizations,
including the Hispanic Nurses Association
and the Sigma Theta Tau Society of Nursing
Leaders. She is also a member of the Alaska
Public Health Association and was a Ronald
McNair Scholar. Her previous experiences
include working as a research scientist for the
University of Washington and as an advocate
for heart health at the Refugee Women’s
Alliance. Nelly is passionate about promoting
diversity within the field of nursing in Alaska.
Juanita Reese, BA, BSN, RN, CEN was
elected as Board Greater Alaska Director.
Juanita has 4 years of experience as an RN
and 23 years of experience as an LPN. Juanita
resides in Juneau, Alaska and is employed by
Bartlett Regional Hospital in surgical services.
Juanita earned her BA in Social Science from
the University of Alaska Southeast and her
BSN from the University of Texas Medical
Branch, where she was president of her class.
She holds a certification in emergency nursing
and has a passion for patient and nurse
advocacy.
Paul Mordini, MS, BSN, RN-BC was
elected as Director at Large of the Board of
Directors. Paul has 30 years of experience
as a nurse and lives in Eagle River, Alaska.
Paul is employed by the State of Alaska at
Alaska Psychiatric Institute, where he works
as a Clinical Coordinator. Paul served as a
Major in the U.S. Air Force Nurse Corps for
20 years. He has previously served as Vice
President of the Board of Directors from 2009
to 2010, and Director at Large from 2006
to 2009 and from 2013 to 2014. During his
previous Board service, Paul worked to pass
the “No Mandatory Overtime for Nurses”
legislation. Paul is the current Chair of the
Health and Safety Committee and is focused
on advocating for policies and legislation that
protect healthcare workers from workplace
violence.
AaNA extends congratulations to Phi Tran,
Nelly Ayala, Juanita Reese, and Paul Mordini;
thank you for stepping up to serve your fellow
nurses. Each of our new Board members
brings varied perspectives and experiences
to AaNA, which creates a strong and diverse
Board of Directors to work on issues for nurses
across the state.
What’s in the cloud?
Nicotine — Addictive
Acetone — Nail polish remover
Ultra-fine particles — Asthma
Lead — Brain damage
Formaldehyde — Embalming fluid
E-cigs. Not harmless. Not healthy.
Sources:
1. Schripp, T., Markewitz, D., Uhde, E. and
Salthammer, T. (2013), “Does e-cigarette
consumption cause passive vaping?”
Indoor Air, 23: 25–31
2. Williams M, Villarreal A, Bozhilov K, Lin S,
Talbot P (2013) “Metal and Silicate Particles
Including Nanoparticles Are Present in
Electronic Cigarette Cartomizer Fluid
and Aerosol” PLoS ONE 8(3): e57987
alaskaquitline.com
T H E A L AS K A N U R S E • D E C E M B E R 20 14- January 201 5
7
Personal Protective Equipment:
Caring for the Patient with Ebola
By Jana Shockman, RN, CCRN-CSC
The Centers for Disease Control, (CDC) have updated their recommendations for required
personal protective equipment, (PPE). The changes in recommendations reflect the lessons
learned from the recent experiences of U.S. hospitals caring for Ebola patients and emphasize the
importance of training, practice, competence, and observation of healthcare workers in correct
donning and doffing of PPE selected by the facility.
Current recommendations for donning PPE now include a buddy system where the care
provider is assisted by another care provider, in full PPE, to don PPE with a third trained observer
supervising with a written checklist to be sure that there is no skin exposed and that all protocols
are followed completely. Prior to donning, the PPE must be visually inspected to ensure that all
components are available in the correct size for the caregiver and that the PPE is in good condition.
While Ebola is not an
airborne pathogen,
there is risk that
infected body
fluids may become
aerosolized, therefore
The care provider is to
change into surgical
scrubs or disposable
garments and
dedicated washable
footwear. The care
provider performs
hand hygiene and
begins the donning
process.
___________________
the CDC recommends
care providers wear
and N95 respirator
with a full face
shield and hood, or a
powered air-purifying
respirator, (PAPR), with
a full surgical hood.
___________________
The CDC recommends
that two pairs of
gloves be worn. The
first, inner, pair of
gloves must cover
the cuffs of the
impermeable gown/
coverall. Wrap the
intersection of the
gloves and gown with
tape or Coban type
material to prevent
the gloves from sliding
or rolling down past
the cuffs. Place a
second pair of gloves
on over the inner pair.
___________________
the integrity of the
ensemble is verified by
the trained observer.
The care provider
should be comfortable
and able to extend
the arms, bend at the
waist and go through
a range of motions
to ensure there is
sufficient range of
movement while all
areas of the body
remain covered.
___________________
When beginning
the doffing process,
engage the trained
The care provider
dons fluid resistant,
impermeable shoe
covers. Shoe covers
should cover the lower
leg so there is no skin
exposed between the
pant leg of the scrubs
and the shoe covers.
8
A full fluid resistant,
impermeable gown or
coverall must be worn
over scrubs. The gown/
coverall must be large
enough to allow for
unrestricted freedom
of movement.
After completing the
donning process,
T h e o f f i c i a l P u b l i c at i o n o f t h e A l as k a N u r s e s A s s o c i at i o n
observer to read
aloud the protocol
for each step of the
process and confirm
visually that the PPE
is removed properly.
The trained observer
reminds the care
provider to avoid
reflexive actions, such
as touching their
face, which could put
them at risk. Visually
inspect the PPE for any
contamination, cuts, or
tears prior to removal.
If contamination is
present, disinfect
using and EPAregistered disinfectant
wipe, such as Super
Sani-wipes, with at
least 2 minutes of
wet contact time. The
buddy may perform
this disinfection
procedure to the
hood and gown that
is unreachable by
the care provider.
Once outer gloves are
removed, perform
hand hygiene with the
disinfectant wipe for 2
minutes.
The buddy assists in
removal of the PAPR
hood. Disposable
pieces are disposed
of in designated
contaminated
waste containers
and reusable
components are
placed in designated
disinfection
containers.
___________________
Buddy assists to
remove gown/coverall
by pulling gown
away from the care
provider and carefully
gathering or rolling
the gown/coverall
into a bundle where
the outer surface is
contained inside the
bundle. The bundle
and inner gloves are
removed as a single
unit taking care that
the sleeves do not
flip or snap from the
wearer as they are
w w w. aknurs e .org
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removed. The care
provider now sits in
a designated chair,
lifts a leg and the
buddy removes shoe
covers one at a time,
taking care to keep
contaminated surfaces
away from the care
provider.
The care giver
performs hand hygiene
and the buddy and
trained observer
inspect the caregiver
for any indication
of contamination of
the surgical scrubs/
disposable garments.
If contamination is
present immediately
notify infection control
or occupational
health and safety
coordinator. Showers
are recommended
at shift’s end for all
healthcare providers
spending extended
periods of time in the
Ebola patient room.
Per the CDC, “Comfort and proficiency
when donning and doffing are only achieved
through repeated practice on the correct use
of PPE. Healthcare workers should be required
to demonstrate competency in the use of PPE,
including donning and doffing while being
observed by a trained observer, before working
with Ebola patients.” It is also important to
remember that as healthcare systems in the
United States gain more experience in working
with patients infected with Ebola virus disease,
these guidelines may continue to evolve.
More information regarding donning and
doffing PPE can be found at http://www.cdc.
gov/vhf/ebola/hcp/procedures-for-ppe.html.
For an example of PPE using an N95 mask and
a 2 person system, a video demonstration of
donning and doffing can be found at http://
www.medscape.com/viewarticle/833907.
Phone: 907.852.9204
Mail: PO Box 29, Barrow, AK 99723
Fax: 907.852.3365 | [email protected]
Samuel Simmonds Memorial Hospital is an eligible IHS loan repayment site. For more information visit www.ihs.gov
NSRH is a Joint Commission accredited facility with 18 acute care
beds, 15 LTC beds serving the people of the Seward Peninsula and
Bering Straits Region of Northwest Alaska. New hospital now open!
Photographs provided by Providence Alaska Medical Center
T H E A L AS K A N U R S E • D E C E M B E R 20 14- January 201 5
9
2014
Heart Walk
By Janet Pasternak, BA, BSN, RN
This year’s Heart Walk event put on by
the American Heart Association was the
best ever! Over 800 people gathered on
the downtown park strip for the fun. The
event raised over $190,000 for research
and awareness of heart disease and stroke.
For the last three years the Alaska Nurses
Association has been a supporter of events in
Anchorage to promote heart health, disease
prevention and stroke. This year we added
the Go Red for Women Luncheon for support
in addition to the spring Heart Run and fall
Heart Walk.
At each event we had a table/booth to
give out information, to promote visibility
of our organization and serve as a first Aid
station. We also provided blood pressure
screenings. Nursing students from Charter
College and UAA helped out with blood
pressures and at the same
time practiced their new
skills. They were a great
help! Thank you!
At this year’s
event our booth
provided a new family
oriented game for
kids. A small kiddy
pool filled with water
and little yellow
rubber duckies
floating in
it. The
objective
10
was for children to scoop out a ducky with a
small hand net. Coloring books and crayons
were the reward for their efforts. The children
had a blast! The water in the pool was
provided by handsome firemen who drove
up in a pink, breast cancer awareness, fire
engine. Needless to say, our booth was the
center of attention for quite a while.
The Heart Walk is a challenge to raise
money for awareness of heart disease
and stroke. Corporations or individuals
are all invited to come. Some walked in
remembrance and in thankfulness of a friend
or family member that had experienced
heart disease or stroke, others, in support.
The American Heart Association is one of
the most recognized and respected national
organizations that benefits patients and
T h e o f f i c i a l P u b l i c at i o n o f t h e A l as k a N u r s e s A s s o c i at i o n
nurses both. As nurses we are required to
be certified in BLS, a certification that is a
direct outgrowth of these money raising
events. The money supports research that
then determines current and updated
recommendations for certifications. If you’ve
ever had to do CPR on someone, you are a
direct beneficiary of their efforts.
The Alaska Nurses Association, in an
effort to reach out to its community, supports
these organizations. We also support, with
your membership dues, other worthy
organizations such as the March of Dimes.
Our desire is to not only care for our patients
but our communities that we live in. Please
join us for the coming year’s events and
contribute to great causes that we all benefit
from!
w w w. aknurs e .org
Patient Safety Series Part One:
10 Days Without a Father, the Devastation of Medical Errors
time had passed. The invisible and voracious
cells leftover from the surgery were allowed
to uncontrollably proliferate. The miracles of
modern medicine sat on a shelf presumably
unneeded for a year. Two years of more
surgeries, aggressive chemotherapy, and
radiation treatments weakened the once
strong man.
by Carlie Holmberg, RN, CPHQ and
Lynette Savage, PhD, RN, CPHQ
Difficult Story to Tell:
This year on a cold January morning,
in a small town in Massachusetts, my father
succumbed to the evils of cancer. I lost
my mentor, my rock-solid support, and my
Daddy. The deep painful ache in my chest
is indescribable. The swirling feelings of
sadness, anger, and helplessness make
it difficult to concentrate. The waves of
despair wash over me, making me feel
cold and vulnerable. At times the waves
drown me making me feel breathless and
paralyzed.
An Important Story to Tell:
Three years ago, an inattentive
pathologist made a horrible assumption
about what he saw under the microscope. Later, he would unapologetically admit his
mistake. He had assured my father and my
father’s physicians that the small kidney
tumor was benign. He recommended
surgical removal of the tumor. No further
treatment was necessary because these
tumors never return. At the time, it was
glorious news to my father and our family.
We could breathe again.
Twelve months after surgery, three
new tumors each larger than the original,
were discovered. The original set of
pathology slides were sent to Boston
for a second opinion. The benign tumor
was not benign, it was a treatable cancer. Twelve important months of treatment
An Avid Patient Safety Advocate:
Before the cancer, my father had
become a huge supporter of patient safety
initiatives. He scoured the internet and was
an unrelenting patient self-advocate. Ten
years ago, through his own research and
some pressure on his physician to test him,
he had discovered his own hemochromatosis.
This easily treated blood condition, if left
unattended has injurious and sometimes fatal
results.
My father and I were a dynamic duo.
We were like patient safety cheerleaders
(minus the cute skirts and pom-poms).
Dad could have easily written all of the
entries in my blog “Airborne Patient Safety”
(airbornepatientsafety.wordpress.com). He
fed me volumes of information about patient
safety that fueled the flames of my patient
safety passion. He was an incredible man. He
understood the connection between aviation
and patient safety. He had signed copies
of Atul Gawande’s The Checklist Manifesto, as
well as John Nance’s Why Hospitals Should Fly,
and Charting the Course.
What would my father want you to know? What would my father want you to do?
As a patient, my father would want you
to talk about the importance of self-advocacy,
researching your own situation, and paying
attention to the fact that all healthcare
workers are human. Humans are not perfect,
they cannot be perfect. He would want you to
keep questioning your doctors and healthcare
providers until you truly understand. He would
want you to tell a healthcare worker to wash
their hands before touching you. He would
want you to understand your medications.
He would want you to teach your loved ones
about the dangerous realities in healthcare.
He would want you to ask questions and
speak-up.
As a healthcare provider, my father would
tell you that you are the first line of defense
in keeping patients, clients, or residents
safe. He would want you to follow the
National Patient Safety Goals set forth by
The Joint Commission (2014). He would
encourage you to read the literature
through websites such as the Agency for
Healthcare Research and Quality [AHRQ]
or the National Patient Safety Foundation
(AHRQ, 2014; McTiernan, 2014). He would
want you to ask questions and speak-up.
Saying Good-Bye:
The last conversation with my father
was over the phone. He was very ill and
in pain. At the end of the very brief call he
said, “I love ya kid, I’m gonna miss you for
a long, long, long time”, he then quickly
passed the phone to my mother. Those
words echo in my soul.
It’s been 310 days without my father.
That is a long, long, long time.
In the next issue of The Alaska Nurse,
Patient Safety Series Part Two –
Patient Safety: Is Not the Flavor of the
Month.
In healthcare in seems we jump from
one “hot topic” to the next; a new flavor
of the month. The cost of healthcare,
preventing hospital acquired infections,
readmissions, or ICD-10 coding to name
a few. As nurses, we often feel like we are
behind before we even understand what is
required of us. Then a new topic shows up
and we start all over trying to understand.
Patient safety and the ramifications
are different.
References: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality [AHRQ] (2014). Research summaries for consumers, clinicians, and policymakers. Retrieved from http://www.effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov/index.
cfm/research-summaries-for-consumers-clinicians-and-policymakers/ • Gawande, A. (2011). The checklist manifesto: How to get things right. London: Picador Publishing. • Nance, J. (2008). Why hospitals
should fly: The ultimate flight plan to patient safety and quality care. Bozeman, MT: Second River Healthcare Press. • Nance, J. (2012). Charting the course: Launching patient-centric healthcare. Bozeman,
MT: Second River Healthcare Press. • McTiernan, P. (2014). Keeping quality and safety front and center. National Patient Safety Foundation. Retrieved from http://www.npsf.org/updates-news-press/
updates/keeping-quality-and-safety-front-and-center-2/ • The Joint Commission (2014). National patient safety goals. Retrieved from http://www.jointcommission.org/standards_information/npsgs.aspx
T H E A L AS K A N U R S E • D E C E M B E R 20 14- January 201 5
11
What We Really Need to Know About Viruses
away from sick people. Clean and disinfect
frequently touched surfaces at home, work,
or school. Stay home if you are sick. Cover
your cough by coughing into your shoulder
or elbow.
By Jana Shockman, RN CCRN-CSC
Watching the news today is a scary
prospect. We are inundated with snippets of
information about which ever illness catches
the media’s attention and can be sure that
we are at the doorstep of a major epidemic.
Enterovirus D68, Ebola, MERS, and
Influenza have all been in the news recently.
In this article we will get back to basics and
discuss what we really need to know about
viruses.
A virus is not a living organism, a virus
is a minute infectious particle of nucleic
acid, DNA or RNA, but not both. A virus can
only be replicated within a living host cell.
Because viruses are not living organisms
conventional antibiotic therapy is ineffective
against them. The strongest weapon we
have against viruses are vaccines. Vaccines
work by introducing attenuated viruses,
inactivated viruses, or recombinant viral
DNA antigens to our immune system so that
we can develop antibodies to the viruses.
Influenza
Influenza is the most common life
threatening virus that we deal with on a
routine basis. Flu season typically starts in
October and lasts through March. There
can be atypical seasonal flu at other times
of the year. According to the State of
Alaska Epidemiology website, 471 cases
of influenza have been confirmed this
season between October 4, 2014 and
November 12, 2014. (1) The National Vital
Statistics report, in 2011, the most recent
year statistics are available for, reports that
53,826 people in the United States died
from Influenza and Pneumonia. (2)(5)
Symptoms of influenza are fever,
cough, sore throat, runny nose or nasal
congestion, muscle and body aches,
headaches and fatigue. Vomiting and
diarrhea can occur and is more common in
children with the flu than adults. Symptoms
usually last from a few days to two weeks.
It can be difficult to differentiate the flu
from the common cold, but typically the
flu symptoms are more intense than
cold symptoms and can result in serious
complications that require hospitalization,
such as pneumonia. It is important to note
that a healthy adult who contracts the flu
may be infections beginning 1 day prior to
developing symptoms and for 5-7 days after
becoming ill. The influenza virus is spread
mainly by droplets made when an infected
12
Middle East Respiratory
Syndrome (MERS)
person coughs, sneezes, or even when
speaking. These droplets can contaminate
persons up to a distance of about 6 feet.(3)
The CDC recommends that all
persons aged 6 months and older get
annual vaccination for the flu with very
few exceptions. There are different flu
vaccines approved for people of different
ages as well for people with chronic health
conditions or pregnancy. Only children
under 6 months of age and people with
severe, life threatening allergies to the flu
vaccine or components in the vaccine are
excluded from receiving the flu shot. If a
person has an allergy to eggs, history of
Guillain-Barre Syndrome, or are currently
ill, the recommendation is to consult their
doctor before getting the flu vaccine. Once
a person is vaccinated against the flu,
it takes about 2 weeks for antibodies to
develop and provide protection from the
flu. (4)
There are many myths and
misconceptions about the flu vaccine,
too many to address here, but two key
points to know are: Firstly, you cannot get
the flu from the flu shot or nasal spray
vaccine. Side effects can include soreness,
redness or swelling at the injection site.
More generalized side effects can include
low-grade fever, headache and muscle
aches, probably related to the stimulation
of the immune system. And secondly, is
that if you don’t get vaccinated at the start
of flu season, then it’s not too late. The
CDC reports that the vaccine can still be
protective even if you are vaccinated in
December or later.(6)
Other ways to protect yourself from the
flu are the tried and true basics, wash your
hands or use hand sanitizer frequently. Stay
T h e o f f i c i a l P u b l i c at i o n o f t h e A l as k a N u r s e s A s s o c i at i o n
The virus that causes MERS is a
coronavirus that primarily affects the
respiratory system. The symptoms consist
of fever, cough and shortness of breath.
Occasionally, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
may be present. In 2012 MERS was first
reported in Saudi Arabia and Jordan. There
was spread of the virus to other countries,
but all cases were linked back to countries
in and near the Arabian Peninsula. During
the 2012 outbreak of MERS, about 30% of
people infected developed severe illness
and died.(7)
MERS is spread through close
contact with an infected person. Unlike
the Influenza virus there is no vaccine for
the MERS Virus. Prevention consists of
avoidance, frequent had washing, covering
your cough, and cleaning and disinfection
of frequently touched surfaces.
There is no antiviral treatment for
MERS, and treatment of severe illness
consists of supportive treatment of
symptoms.
Enterovirus D68 (EV-D68)
EV-D68 is one of a broad group of
related viruses that include the viruses
responsible for polio; hand, foot, and mouth
disease; and viral meningitis. This virus
has been known since the early 1960s, but
has not been tracked or thought to be a
contender for a major outbreak of illness.
This virus jumped into the spotlight
this year as 47 states and the District
of Columbia reported cases of EV-D68
associated with severe respiratory illness.
From mid-August to November over 1100
cases were reported, almost all the cases
were children. There are a several common
viruses that can “EV-D68 like” illness,
including RSV. Diagnosis of EV-D68 must
be confirmed by laboratory testing. Some
children died, though the exact number
is unknown. A small cluster of children
in Colorado have also had symptoms of
paralysis that may, or may not resolve,
associated with confirmed infection with
EV-D68. Children with a history of asthma
w w w. aknurs e .org
or wheezing had more severe symptoms than
healthy children.
There are no currently reported cases of
EV-D68 reported in Alaska according to the
State of Alaska Epidemiology website.(8) EVD68 cases occur primarily in the summer and
fall. The CDC has noted a drop in the number
of reported cases and the expectation is that
there will be very few if any cases to track
over the winter.
Ebola
The first documented case of Ebola in
the United States occurred in the state of
Texas this fall. The man, Thomas Eric Duncan
travelled to the US from Liberia, arriving in
Dallas on September 20th. Four days later
Mr. Duncan began to exhibit symptoms
and sought care two days later. He was not
identified as potential Ebola case, and sent
home. He sought care again 2 days later, on
September 28th, as his symptoms became
more severe. At that time he was identified
as a potential Ebola victim and placed in
isolation.(9)
There has a whirlwind of controversy
about why he was not placed in isolation
and treatment for Ebola on his first attempt
to seek care. Blame has been assigned to
the nurse, the computer charting system,
physician, and triage processes. The truth
of the matter is probably a combination of all
these factors and maybe some that haven’t
been considered yet. The important point here
is that the country learned a lot from this case.
Since this case CDC guidelines for screening,
intake, recommended personal protection
equipment, and standards of care have been
updated.
Ebola belongs to the virus family
Filoviridae, of which there are 3 viruses
including the Marburg virus which also causes
a hemorrhagic illness. It was first discovered
in 1976. There are 5 strains of Ebola, 4 of
which are known to cause illness in humans.
Zaire, Sudan, Tai Forest (formerly Ivory
Coast), and Bundibugyo . The fifth strain
Reston Virus caused hemorrhagic illness in
monkeys that were housed at the Reston
Primate Quarantine Unit in Reston, Virginia.(10)
The strain responsible for the 2014 West
African outbreak is the Zaire strain. This
particular strain is one of the most virulent
strains with a 70-90% mortality rate.(11)(12) The
reservoir for the virus is suspected to be fruit
bats that live in the jungles of western Africa.
Humans are thought to become infected by
coming into contact with blood, and body
fluids from infected animals, especially
risky in areas where people eat “bushmeat”
(See Viruses page 14)
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T H E A L AS K A N U R S E • D E C E M B E R 20 14- January 201 5
13
w w w. aknurs e .org
Two Nurses Inducted into Hall of Fame
By Andrea Nutty
At the Alaska Nurses Association’s annual
General Assembly on October 5, 2014, two
Alaskan nurses were inducted into the AaNA
Hall of Fame. The ceremony was held during
the General Assembly at the Embassy Suites
Hotel in Anchorage. Patricia Senner, MS, RN,
ANP and the late Kathleen Gettys, BA, BSN,
RN were honored for their dedication to the
profession of nursing and years of hard work
supporting nurses through their leadership
positions with AaNA.
The AaNA recently mourned the loss of
Kathleen Gettys, BA, BSN, RN, who passed
away earlier this year on May 18. Over the
years, Gettys took on multiple leadership
positions at AaNA including Labor Council
Director and President of Providence
Registered Nurses. She was known as a
strong advocate for the professional interests
of bedside nurses in Alaska and played an
instrumental role in the passage of the “No
Mandatory Overtime for Nurses” bill. Gettys
spent countless hours over a span of six years
meeting the lawmakers and educating them
on the risks to both patients and medical
staff due to mandatory overtime. The bill
finally passed on the last day of the 26th
legislative session in 2010.
Patricia “Pat” Senner, MS, RN, ANP,
began her nursing career in 1982 after
she graduated from Catholic University of
America in Washington, D.C. and became a
family nurse practitioner. For years, Senner
worked as a nurse practitioner caring
for youth seeking shelter at Anchorage’s
Covenant House. Senner served as Executive
Director of the AaNA for three years, Board
of Directors President, as Chair of the
Legislative Committee, and Interim Director
of Professional Practice, among other
positions. In 2004, Senner received the AaNA
Excellence in Service award for her passion,
dedication, and leadership on behalf of
Alaska’s nurses.
“We are honored and thrilled to
welcome Pat Senner and Kathleen Gettys
into the Alaska Nurses Association’s Hall
of Fame,” said Donna Phillips, AaNA Labor
Council Chair. “These nurses’ commitment
to the profession, to the Association, and to
the pursuit of excellence in all that they did
and continue to do creates opportunities
and better work environments for future
Alaskans.”
October 5th marked the 61st anniversary
of the Alaska Nurses Association’s official
incorporation with the Territory of Alaska,
and also marked 10 years since the Alaska
Nurses Hall of Fame began. The Alaska
Nurses Hall of Fame was established in
2003 as part of a celebration of AaNA’s 50th
anniversary. Since that time, 10 nurses have
been inducted to the Hall of Fame: Catherine
(Kitty) Gair, RN; Doris McCarty Southall, RN;
Elva Ruth Scott, MEd, BSN, RN; Effie Anderson
Graham, PhD, RN; Arnie Beltz, MPH, MN, RN;
Elizabeth Berry Fritz, RN; V. Kay Lahdenpera,
RN; Patricia “Patti” Hong, RN; and now Patricia
“Pat” Senner, MS, RN, ANP and Kathleen
Gettys, BA, BSN, RN. The plaques honoring
the nurses inducted into the Alaska Nurses
Hall of Fame are housed at
AaNA’s headquarters in
Anchorage.
Jana Shockman,
AaNA President, and
Patricia Senner, Hall
of Fame Inductee.
14
T h e o f f i c i a l P u b l i c at i o n o f t h e A l as k a N u r s e s A s s o c i at i o n
Viruses (continued from page 14)
from bats and monkeys. Once a human is
infected and showing symptoms, human to
human transmission is rapid and leads to
outbreaks. Particularly in countries with poor
infrastructure and inadequate public health
programs.(12)
Ebola is new the United States, but it
is a virus that has been studied extensively.
The pathophysiology and transmission of
Ebola virus disease is well known in the
medical and scientific world. Ebola is only
spread through direct contact with an infected
person’s body fluids, such as blood, urine,
saliva, sweat, feces, vomit, breast milk, and
semen. Ebola is not spread through the
air, or by water. Ebola is not transmitted by
mosquitos or other insects.(13)
The incubation period of Ebola is
anywhere from 2-21 days. Humans are not
infectious, meaning that they cannot infect
others, with Ebola unless they develop
symptoms. A person potentially exposed
to Ebola within 21 days and showing no
symptoms is not infectious.(14)
The initial symptoms of Ebola are very
much like the flu and include sudden onset
of fever, fatigue, muscle aches, headache
and sore throat. The illness then progresses
to vomiting, diarrhea, rash, impaired kidney
and liver function. Both internal and external
bleeding can occur related to the liver
dysfunction. (14)
There is no preventative vaccine for
Ebola, though at least 2 are in the testing
process. There are several potential drug
therapies for Ebola currently being evaluated,
but in actuality treatment for Ebola, like most
viral illnesses, is primarily supportive and
management of symptoms until the virus runs
it’s course. Because of the massive amounts
of fluid loss during the acute phase, up to 10L
of fluid per day, appropriate fluid resuscitation
is a vital part of care of the Ebola patient. (14)
This massive loss of fluids due to
emesis, diarrhea, and possibly bleeding is a
major reason why Ebola is spread so easily
from person to person. Extreme measures
for personal protection for healthcare workers
is essential. Studies of the more than 20
outbreaks of Ebola in Africa show that once
barrier protection for healthcare workers
is put in place, contraction of Ebola by
healthcare workers dropped dramatically.(13)
Only 2 people in the US have died from
Ebola. A doctor transported to Omaha from
Sierra Leone, and Thomas Eric Duncan,
the first patient to be diagnosed with Ebola
in the US. The two nurses who contracted
Ebola while caring for him have made full
recoveries, as have the other patients who
w w w. aknurs e .org
contracted Ebola outside the US, but were
treated here.
Hospitals throughout the country have
had to examine their screening procedures
and isolation procedures for infectious
patients. America is better prepared to deal
with a potential Ebola outbreak now as
hospitals implement protocols and algorithms
to Identify, Isolate, and Inform, when
screening and admitting patients. Patients
must have both symptoms, and potential
exposure history within 21 days to be ruled in
for Ebola isolation.
Ebola may never become the feared
epidemic that it is in Western Africa but it has
certainly taught the American Healthcare
system a few things. In responding to the
threat of Ebola, we are now better prepared
to respond to other potential outbreaks of
infectious diseases. The fact is, we are
surrounded by viruses. Some are harmless
to humans. Some are annoying, like the
common cold. Some are potentially lethal,
like the flu, HIV, or Ebola. The important thing
is that regardless of current media frenzy, we
as healthcare providers follow the science,
prepare, and follow our calling to provide
the best healthcare we can to our stricken
patients.
1. Alaska Influenza Surveillance Report. (n.d.). Retrieved
November 14, 2014, from http://www.epi.hss.state.ak.us/id/
influenza/influenza.jsp
2. Hoyert DL, Xu JQ. Deaths: Preliminary datafor 2011.
National vital statistics reports; vol 61 no 6. Hyattsville, MD:
National Center for Health Statistics. 20
3. Flu Symptoms & Severity. (2014, August 13). Retrieved
November 10, 2014, from http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/
disease/symptoms.htm
4. Vaccination: Who Should Do It, Who Should Not and Who
Should Take Precautions. (2014, September 26). Retrieved
November 10, 2014, from http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/
whoshouldvax.htm
Calendar of Events
Save the Dates!
.............................................................................
AaNA Board of Directors Meeting
Holiday Schedule
December 10, 2014 4:30 to 5:30 pm
.............................................................................
AaNA Board of Directors Meeting
Holiday Schedule
December 10, 2014 5:30 to 6:30 pm
.............................................................................
UAA School of Nursing Recognition
Ceremony
December 14, 2014
.............................................................................
Alaska Public Health Summit
January 27-January 29, 2015
AaNA Professional Practice Committee
Contact for times: [email protected]
.............................................................................
Alaska State Board of Nursing Meeting
Jan 21-23, 2015 • The Alaska Board of
...........................................................................................
or 907-274-0827
.............................................................................
AaNA Health & Safety Committee
3rd Wednesday of each month 4:30 to 6:30 pm
.............................................................................
AaNA Legislative Committee
Contact for times: [email protected]
or 907-274-0827
.............................................................................
Providence Registered Nurses
3rd Thursday of each month 4 to 6 pm
.............................................................................
RN’s United of Central Peninsula Hospital
Contact for times: 907-252-5276
.............................................................................
KTN Ketchikan General Hospital
Contact for times: 907-247-3828
.............................................................................
AaNA Holiday Open House
December 12, 2014
10 am-5pm • AaNA Office
3701 E. Tudor, Suite 208
Anchorage • www.aknurse.org
.............................................................................
Hotel Captain Cook
www.alaskapublichealth.org
Nursing has a listserv that is used to send out the
latest information about upcoming meetings,
agenda items, regulations being considered, and
other topics of interest to nurses, employers, and
the public. To sign up for this free service, visit
www.nursing.alaska.gov
Inquiries regarding meetings and appearing on
the agenda can be directed to:
Nancy Sanders, PhD RN, Executive Administrator
Alaska State Board of Nursing, 550 West 7th Ave,
Ste 1500, Anchorage, AK 99501, Ph: 907-2698161 Fax: 907-269-8196, Email: nancy.sanders@
alaska.gov
.............................................................................
Contact
Hours
www.aknurse.org/
Remember to visit:
index.cfm/education for frequent
updates and information on local nursing
contact hour opportunities and conferences!
.............................................................................
5. (2014, July 14). Retrieved November 10, 2014, from http://
www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/deaths.htm
6. Misconceptions about Seasonal Flu and Flu Vaccines.
(2014, October 22). Retrieved November 10, 2014, from
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/qa/misconceptions.htm
7. About MERS. (2014, June 4). Retrieved November 10,
2014, from http://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/mers/about/
8. (n.d.). Retrieved November 10, 2014, from http://
dhss.alaska.gov/News/Documents/press/2014/
StateUrgesProactiveSteps.Flu.EV-D68_PR_093014.pdf8.
9. Dallas Ebola Patient Thomas Eric Duncan Has Died. (n.d.).
Retrieved November 10, 2014, from http://www.npr.org/
blogs/thetwo-way/2014/10/08/354577799/dallas-ebolapatient-thomas-eric-duncan-dies-hospital-says,
10. About Ebola Virus Disease. (2014, October 3). Retrieved
November 10, 2014, from http://www.cdc.gov/vhf/ebola/
about.html
11. Emergence of Zaire Ebola Virus Disease in Guinea —
NEJM. (n.d.). Retrieved November 10, 2014, from http://
www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1404505#t=article
12. Ebola - A Growing Threat? — NEJM. (n.d.). Retrieved
November 10, 2014, from http://www.nejm.org/doi/
full/10.1056/NEJMp1405314
13. Review of Human-to-Human Transmission of Ebola
Virus. (2014, October 29). Retrieved November 10, 2014,
from http://www.cdc.gov/vhf/ebola/transmission/humantransmission.html
14. Ebola virus disease. (n.d.). Retrieved November 10, 2014,
from http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs103/en/
T H E A L AS K A N U R S E • D E C E M B E R 20 14- January 201 5
15
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