Have a Wonderful Year!

January 2014
Happy
Getting Started on your Year.....2
Happy New Year!……………..3
New Year…New Start………...4
Advocacy, I Can Do That!….....5
2014 STAR Award….………...6
ACST Chapter Assignments…..7
We’re Going Green……………7
ACST Directory……………….8
New
Year
Wishes for a YOU in 2014:
Want to know more about
your ANNA Role?
A great beginning in January
In February…love!
Peace for March
No Worries in April
Fun in May…
Joy in June and July
Achievements in August
Harmony in September
Good Fortune in October and November
And Happiness in December
Have no fear…

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Fast 15 is here!
Log onto annanurse.org
Click on “About ANNA”
Choose “Chapter Officers
Only”
Click on the Fast 15 Logo
Watch the Fast 15
Complete the Fast 15 survey
to earn STAR points for your
chapter
Have a Wonderful Year!
ACST Spotlight ~ January 2014
Page 1 of 9
By Alice Luehr, ACST Leader
Big Sky Chapter #527 (Montana)
The “ANNA year,” or
the time frame that
chapters have to meet
the re-charter criteria,
begins on January 1 and
ends on December 31.
The required activity each chapter must complete in
that time is:
1. Hold one (1) business meeting
2. Hold two (2) educational meetings - one must
supply CNE’s
3. Submit the Chapter Profile (which tells who the
officers are) by January 15th
4. Submit the chapters Calendar Year End Financial
Report by January 15th
5. Submit the chapters Fiscal Year End Financial
Report by April 15th.
The confusing part about planning for the chapter
year is this - chapter officer elections are held in
December and chapter officers are appointed in
January (the Chapter Profile tells us who those
officers are), but the new officers don’t actually take
over their positions until the after the National
Symposium in April. If a chapter waits until April to
start planning its ANNA year, they’re behind the
starting line by four months. OUCH!
The ANNA Chapter
Support Team (ACST)
strongly
encourages
that the incoming and
outgoing
chapter
officers meet together
in January or February
to start planning
their ANNA year.
This will meet one of the recharter
requirements (Business meeting). At this
meeting an initial chapter Work Plan should be
mapped out - the outgoing officers can establish a
mentorship relationship with the incoming officers.
If a chapter waits
until April to start
planning its ANNA
year, they’re behind
the starting line by
four months. OUCH!
Other agenda items could include:
1. Determine which officers will attend the VLW
and if needed, plan fundraisers to support them
2. Check out the Fast 15’s on the Website, our 15
minute modules on chapter role orientation,
STAR points, and Work Plans
3. Develop an Education Committee to help
organize chapter education events
4. Brainstorm fundraisers for the year
5. Discuss potential chapter members who could be
chapter officers (it’s never too early to start
looking for your replacements)
6. Select one officer to be responsible for entering
STAR points
By having this meeting early, your new officers can
be better prepared to excel in their roles, and in
turn, help the chapter succeed!
ACST changes in 2014
There will be four new members on the ACST in
2014. Just as our chapter officers do, the ACST
members will not “officially” assume their roles until
April. BUT….starting in late January or early
February, the new members will be paired with
their outgoing counterparts so that they can be
mentored and “eased” into the role.
The ACST members who will complete their terms in
April 2014 are Sara Kennedy, Maria Gonzales, Susie
Soares-Phillips, and Nancy Smith.
The other
members will keep the same chapters they were
assigned to in 2013 and new members will take over
for Sara, Maria, Susie, and Nancy. To ensure a
smooth transition for everyone, we expect
to introduce you to the new ACST
members before they begin their roles in
April. This will all add up to a successful
start to the ANNA year.
Alice
“Someone's sitting in the shade today because
someone planted a tree a long time ago.”
Warren Buffett
ACST Spotlight ~ January 2014
Page 2 of 9
By Trish Carter, ACST Group 09
Black Swamp Chapter #323 (Ohio)
Welcome 2014!
The New Year is here
and it’s time to start
your creative engines
and begin planning
activities and events for your chapter. ANNA has
numerous resources to help.
The Volunteer Leaders Workshop (VLW) will be
held in Anaheim, CA on April 11-13, 2014. It’s an
invaluable learning opportunity!
 Both new and seasoned officers will be
exposed to training on their individual
chapter roles
 Get information on finding the tools you
need to be successful
 Meet your ACST member (ANNA Chapter
Support Team) – the person who will
support your chapter throughout the year
This energizing experience will not only rev you
up, but provide you with opportunities to learn
about your specific role and share ideas and
successful tips on fundraising, chapter activities and
program development with other officers. Plan now
to register for the VLW Watch your emails and sign
up early. Funding support is available and we
encourage you to send as many officers from your
chapter as you can. You won’t want to miss it!
Another golden resource to keep you on track is
the ANNA Website. Every section is loaded with
useful content. In the Chapter Officers Only section,
you will find essential tools to help you plan and
document your chapter activities such as:
 Chapter Supply Checklist to get you
started
 Quarterly Calendar to help you plan ahead
and stay on task in order to submit
required information timely
 Officer role descriptions which should be
reviewed so everyone is clear of their
responsibilities. Fast 15 videos for each
office are also available
 How to information on elections, business
and educational meetings, and recharter
criteria
 Everything you need to submit an article
and get your chapter recognized in the
ANNA Update is on the Web. Be a winner
and submit early!
If you’re spinning your wheels
or need a jump start to get you on
your way, your assigned ACST
member is the mechanic to fix your
needs. With a phone call or email, they
are available to assist and direct you to a
successful finish! Have a great year!
Trish
ACST Spotlight ~ January 2014
Page 3 of 9
By Lisa Balk, ACST Group 02
Keystone Chapter #110 (Pennsylvania)
So congratulations,
you’re a new chapter
officer! Here are some
tools and tips to ensure
success in your new
role.
After your chapter
elections are completed and the new board members
are confirmed, your Chapter Profile Report is due to
the National Office by January 15 (see box for
submitting reports).
So now that you’re a chapter officer, how do
you ensure success in your new role? In my chapter,
the Keystone Chapter, the previous officers mentor
the incoming officers. We have a very dedicated and
tight knit group that have been officers in the past.
They are always there to help the new officers, offer
advice and insight, and are strong supporters of the
Chapter and the Board’s success. They are active in
our Day of Learning events; participate in Health
Policy and Legislative workshops and events and are
constantly supporting and encouraging nephrology
nurses to be active in ANNA. When I first came on as
a chapter board member, my role was PresidentElect; if it were not for the then current President, I
would have felt lost. Her guidance and support were
invaluable. I feel this, by far, is the key to success!
Look for ways to help your new officers become
familiar with the way your chapter works together,
and be sure to encourage and welcome any new ideas
they bring to your Board!
What else can you do to ensure success in
your new role? Become familiar with the ANNA
Website–you’ll find how-to guides and tips for success,
role descriptions, report forms and more! It’s a
valuable resource packed with the tools you need to
be successful this year. Please take some time to
review.
What is due and when is it due? There are minimum
requirements for every ANNA chapter, so it’s
important to recognize what reports are needed and
ACST Spotlight ~ January 2014
when. You’ll find links on the Website (see the box
below) for every report due, along with their due
dates. A list of those reports appears on page 2.
Chapter Work Plans are intended to be a blueprint or
map to your chapters’ activity for the year. Work
together to create a plan and send it to us throughout
the year. Use the plan during the year to plan your
activities. The schedule for this report is:
Initial Work Plan
February 15
Updated Work Plan
June 15
Final Work Plan
November 15
*Look for sample and blank Work Plans on Web!
So remember, submit all your chapter meeting
reports, your chapter Work Plans and chapter reports
and you will be good to go! But most of all, learn
from the other chapter Board members and when it is
your time to step down, please be sure to guide and
mentor your replacement. We want your term to be
a great success!
Don’t forget, the National Office, the ANNA
Website, and your ACST Member are all here to
support you and ensure your success! Here’s to your
best year ever…2014!
Lisa
Submit a chapter report to ANNA:
1. Go to annanurse.org and Log In.
2. Select “About ANNA” and then from the list that
appears, select “Chapter Officers Only” from the
Chapters column.
3. Select “Chapter Reports and Activities”
4. Click on the blue button for the report you want to
send. Complete the form and then click on the
Submit button.
5. You will receive an email with a copy of every report
you send to the National Office. Save the emails for
your chapter records.
Page 4 of 9
By Marlene Currier, Health Policy Advisor
Dogwood Chapter #224 (Georgia)
I
became
involved as a Health
Policy
Representative for ANNA many
years ago.
I can
remember
the
Dogwood
Chapter
meeting in Atlanta,
Georgia where we
were introduced to Health Policy, but cannot remember
the year. Over 15 for sure! At that meeting, there was a
discussion about volunteering to become more involve
with the Legislation process at one of our Dogwood
Chapter meetings and I raised my hand and said, “I can
do that!” I was totally unaware of the journey that lay
ahead.
I have to admit, I had to review the old
“Schoolhouse Rock” video about I am just a “Bill, Sitting
on the Hill” and then just waited. Nothing seemed to be
brewing or happening. I attended my first Health Policy
Workshop in Washington, DC. I was hooked after my
first visit to the HILL. I even start watching C span!
I continued to work full time, volunteering with
National Kidney Foundation and American Kidney Fund
as well as be involved with our Dogwood Chapter
serving in various officer roles.
One afternoon I received a call from Chris Starr
with the National Kidney Foundation of Georgia. There
was a meeting with Buddy Childers, chairman of the
House Health and Ecology Committee of the State of
Georgia. Representative Childress wanted to introduce
a bill to regulate dialysis facilities and, because I was a
dialysis nurse, I was invited to his office to discuss this
legislation. It was exciting to be led through the inner
sanctum of Georgia’s Capitol and into a room where I
met with the Representative Childress, his aide, and
Chris Starr with National Kidney Foundation.
The Representative told me he had received a
letter from a neighbor who was on dialysis. This
neighbor complained to Representative Childress about
how under trained and uneducated the staff was in his
dialysis units. Representative Childress wanted to
“If you don’t design your own life
introduce some legislation to regulate or license the
dialysis facilities in Georgia. He thought this would be
the best way to help the dialysis patients receive better
care. We talked a bit and I realized I was the expert in
the room. I was the only one who could explain dialysis!
I also explained that in the outpatient dialysis world we
worked as a team. I then explained the role of the
nephrology nurse and suggested that we have someone
from our ANNA Chapter be a part of his Advisory Council.
I was astonished that it was written in the law for a
representative of the Dogwood Chapter of ANNA be a
part of the ESRD Advisory Council for the State of
Georgia.
The second encounter I had was with
Congressman Phil Gingrey, MD, Congressional District 11,
State of Georgia. I had invited him to tour a dialysis
facility in his district (during our first KDAE Week).
Representative Gingrey was totally fascinated with the
ESRD patients and the dialysis unit. He truly enjoyed
talking with the patients. His scheduler had a hard time
keeping him on task. Even though he was a physician
(Ob/Gyn), this was the first time he had ever been inside
an outpatient dialysis facility.
I was also able to obtain several ESRD Week
Proclamations from various Governors’ during their tour
of office in the State of Georgia. This was a very easy
task; all I had to do was ask.
I have also had a photo opportunity with Senator
Saxby Chambliss, (R), State of Georgia and stopped
Congressman John Lewis on the street in Washington,
DC to “chat” about his dialysis patient constituents in
Georgia.
I became the State of Georgia Health Policy
Advisor within ANNA, and currently, I am a National
Health Policy Advisor.
All of this is just to say, WE are the experts in the
area of nephrology nursing. Our local, state and federal
officials need us to keep them informed. They rely on
you as the Nephrology Nurse to guide their decisions in
the law making process that directly impacts ESRD. You
are the Advocate and you can do it!
Marlene
plan, chances are you’ll fall into someone
else’s plan. And guess what they have planned for you? Not much.”
ACST Spotlight ~ January 2014
Jim Rohn
Page 5 of 9
The 2014 Chapter STAR Awards
Succesful Teamwork = Awards & Recognition
Award period: January 1 – December 31, 2014
How do you get STAR Points?
It’s easy. Just do the work you’re already doing, but keep a list and enter your activities into your Online
STAR account so points will accumulate.
1.
2.
3.
4.
Select one officer to manage the chapters STAR points this year
Print the 2014 STAR Award Guidelines from the Website and keep it handy
Watch Fast 15: STAR Points on the Website.
Enter points online as activities are completed
Where do I start?
First things first…watch the Fast 15 created to
help you quickly understand how the STAR Award program works. It’s
FAST, it’s easy to watch…and you’ll get the answers you need so you
can get down to business adding in points for all of the wonderful
things you and your chapter are accomplishing. Isn’t that what it’s all
about? If you still have questions after viewing the Fast 15, contact
your ACST Member - we’re happy to help! Good luck in 2014!
New in 2014:
Every year the ACST and other committees look at how STAR points can be earned
and update the list accordingly. (We’re always open to suggestions.) For 2014 we
have reduced the number of STAR points the National Office keeps track of, but we’ll
provide links on the Website for easy access to the information you need. For
instance:
 A chapter can get Advocacy STAR points if their members use CapWiz to send
letters. The National Office will have CapWiz reports available on a quarterly basis
for officers to check on their members activity and add your own points.
 A chapter can get Education STAR points if their members attend the
Symposium and/or Fall meeting. After the events a link with a list of attendees will
be available for officers to check an add points their chapter earned. It also gives
you an opportunity to communication with your members – thank them for their
contributions!
We also expanded some categories for 2014 to provide more points for
participation:
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
A chapter can get Leadership STAR points if a member attends a lot of ANNA
related conference calls (i.e. for committee work)
A chapter can get Leadership STAR points if a member speaks or presents at
other Nephrology related events (NKF meetings, ITNS, ESRD Networks, etc…)
A chapter can get Leadership STAR points if a member is published in a
Nephrology related journal!
We hope that these changes encourage more member participation and make it even
easier for you to enter and track your points. It does take some effort, but your efforts
are rewarded when you’re able to see a list of all that was accomplished by your
chapter at the end of the year. So don’t delay…start entering those STAR points now!
ACST Spotlight ~ January 2014
Did you know?
The STAR categories match
ANNA’s Strategic Plan:
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Advocacy
Education
Evidence-Based Practice
Leadership
Membership
Selecting activities based in these
strategic areas allows your
chapter to support the goals of our
association in your local area.
Tips for a Successful 2014:
 Select activities from the
2014 STAR Guidelines to
earn points for your chapter.
 List the activities you select in
the Chapter Work Plan (due
February 15)
 Use your Chapter Work Plan
to guide monthly conference
call or business meetings to
meet your goals!
Page 6 of 9
Did you know that there are two different ways that STAR points are entered and
tabulated? Do you know how to enter your STAR Points? Can you tell what points have
been entered? Here are some quick tips and answers to your questions:
Enter your STAR Points (Part 1)
Confirm STAR Points (Part 1)
Any chapter officer can enter points online
through our Website (in the Chapter Officers
Only section) for activities completed.
GO TO www.annanurse.org and Log In
>Chapter Officers Only
> STAR Reports
> Add STAR Points to Chapter
***For a list of the activities that earn points,
download and PRINT a copy of the 2014 STAR
Guidelines*** (posted in the STAR Reports section on
the Web)

More STAR Points! (Part 2)
Any chapter officer can check to see what STAR points
have already been entered.
GO TO www.annanurse.org and Log In
>Chapter Officers Only
> STAR Reports
> View STAR Points to Chapter
***The end date for a chapter to enter any STAR points
on line is January 15 (for the previous year.)***
Please note: Your assigned ACST Member will review the
points you enter. You may be asked for verification of any
activities entered for STAR points, and ineligible activities
will be removed by your assigned ACST Member
Confirm STAR Points (Part 2)
Some of your chapters’ points will be automatically
added by the National Office. For some activities,
we need a report from the chapter, like these:
 Chapter holds educational and business meetings and
submits a Chapter Meeting Summary form
 Chapter submits profile, fiscal year-end report, and
calendar year end report by due dates
 Chapter submits Work Plans by 2/15, 6/15, and 11/15
For other activity, we’ll track the activity for you:
 Chapter has an increase in the number of certified members
 overall number of members and increases the number of
associate members
 Chapter submits Update articles
***See the 2014 STAR Guidelines (page 3) for complete list***
 Watch for the Recharter Activity Report, sent by your ACST
Member to you monthly.
 Each month, check to see that all activity you have completed
and submitted reports to the National Office for is posted. The
report helps you track the required activity for chapter recharter
each year AND the STAR points you’ve earned for that activity.
 If a completed activity isn’t posted, contact your ACST Member
and the National Office to check on the status and resubmit, if
needed.
TIP: As always, if you submit a meeting report or Update article you
should receive a confirmation email. If you didn’t, something may
have gone amiss with the way the report was submitted. (Technology
is wonderful, but not perfect!)
2013 Chapter STAR Awards
Award period: January 1 – December 31, 2013
The 2013 Chapter STAR award winners will be announced in Anaheim, CA on
Monday, April 14 during the National Symposium Celebration Event (8:30-11:00 pm).
Hope to see you there…on the stage!
ACST Spotlight ~ January 2014
Page 7 of 9
Every ANNA Chapter is assigned to an ACST (ANNA Chapter Support Team) member for maximum support
throughout the year. To find the ACST member assigned to your chapter, look for your chapter by STATE code
first, then chapter number and name.
If your chapter is shaded in GREEN, it’s time for a big pat on the back…and a party, because your chapter
has met all 2013 recharter requirements. Congratulations! If your chapter still needs to submit a report, please
send no later than January 15, 2014. Contact your ACST Member if you have questions or need assistance.
State
#
AL
AL
AR
AZ
CA
CA
CA
CA
CA
CA
CA
CA
CO
CT
DE
FL
FL
FL
FL
FL
FL
GA
GA
HI
ID
IL
IL
KY
KY
LA
LA
MA
MD
MI
MN
MN
MO
MO
MO
MO
MS
MT
NC
NC
NC
NC
ND
ND
235
239
215
501
504
506
508
509
517
526
528
532
502
103
134
206
209
213
266
272
276
224
267
507
521
305
319
322
336
252
263
119
101
312
316
329
307
313
318
333
249
527
201
202
262
268
320
341
Chapter Name
R. Michael Huddle
Hazel Taylor
Arkansas
Desert Vista
N. California
Nephros South
Los Angeles
Sacramento Valley
Surfside
Inland Empire
Chumash
San Joaquin Valley
High Country
Colonial
First State
South Florida Flamingo
North Central
Suncoast
Treasure Coast
Sunshine Central
First Coast
Dogwood
Peach
Pacific Island
Sawtooth
Windy City
Heart of Illinois
Bluegrass
Kentuckiana
Acadiana
Fleur-de-Lis
Mass Bay
Baltimore
Michiganna
SE Minnesota
Greater Minnesota
St. Louis Metro
Heart of America
Central Missouri
Ozarks Regional
Magnolia
Big Sky
Cardinal
Greater Charlotte
Blue Ridge
Tar River
Centennial
Red River Valley
ACST Spotlight ~ January 2014
ACST Member
State
#
Rhonda Duggan
Rhonda Duggan
Nancy Smith
Maria Gonzales
Maria Gonzales
Maria Gonzales
Maria Gonzales
Maria Gonzales
Maria Gonzales
Maria Gonzales
Maria Gonzales
Alice Luehr
Maria Gonzales
Lisa Balk
Lisa Balk
Rhonda Duggan
Rhonda Duggan
Rhonda Duggan
Rhonda Duggan
Rhonda Duggan
Rhonda Duggan
Rhonda Duggan
Rhonda Duggan
Alice Luehr
Alice Luehr
Nancy Smith
Nancy Smith
Nancy Smith
Marianne Neumann
Nancy Smith
Nancy Smith
Marianne Neumann
Marianne Neumann
Marianne Neumann
Trish Carter
Trish Carter
Trish Carter
Trish Carter
Trish Carter
Trish Carter
Nancy Smith
Alice Luehr
Sara Kennedy
Sara Kennedy
Sara Kennedy
Sara Kennedy
Alice Luehr
Trish Carter
NE
NJ
NJ
NJ
NM
NV
NY
NY
NY
NY
NY
OH
OH
OH
OK
OK
OR
OR
PA
PA
PA
PR
SC
SC
TN
TN
TN
TN
TX
TX
TX
TX
TX
TX
TX
TX
TX
UT
VA
VA
VA
VT
WA
WA
WI
WI
324
125
126
133
520
533
102
114
120
122
128
314
317
323
256
273
518
529
104
110
130
210
203
229
228
240
264
269
204
205
208
232
255
260
271
274
277
516
241
250
258
131
503
522
304
326
Chapter Name
Platte River
Garden State
Jersey North
Jersey South
Nuevo Mexico
Silver State South
Big Apple
Central NY
NE Tri-State
Long Island
Great Lakes
Buckeye
Tri State Ohio
Black Swamp
NE Oklahoma
Red River
Cascades
Siskiyou
Three Rivers
Keystone
Susquehanna Valley
Caribbean
Palmetto
Western Carolina
Music City
Memphis Blues
Tennessee Valley
Scenic City
Gulf Coast
Alamo City
Dallas
El Paso
East Texas
Sand Dollar
Palm Valley
Heart of Texas
Hub City
Intermountain
Tidewater
Commonwealth
Central Virginia
Northern New England
Greater Puget Sound
Inland Northwest
Wisconsin
Badger
ACST Member
Trish Carter
Marianne Nuemann
Marianne Nuemann
Marianne Nuemann
Alice Luehr
Maria Gonzales
Lisa Balk
Lisa Balk
Lisa Balk
Lisa Balk
Lisa Balk
Nancy Smith
Nancy Smith
Nancy Smith
Carol Pope
Carol Pope
Alice Luehr
Alice Luehr
Lisa Balk
Marianne Nuemann
Lisa Balk
Lisa Balk
Sara Kennedy
Sara Kennedy
Nancy Smith
Nancy Smith
Sara Kennedy
Sara Kennedy
Carol Pope
Carol Pope
Carol Pope
Carol Pope
Carol Pope
Carol Pope
Carol Pope
Carol Pope
Carol Pope
Maria Gonzales
Sara Kennedy
Sara Kennedy
Sara Kennedy
Lisa Balk
Alice Luehr
Alice Luehr
Trish Carter
Trish Carter
Page 8 of 9
We take chapter business seriously!
As your representatives to ANNA’s Board of Directors, the ACST members (ANNA Chapter Support Team) have been
appointed to help and support our local chapters….said another way, we support YOU! Call on us any time with your
questions, concerns and positive suggestions. We want to hear from you!
To find the ACST member assigned to work directly with your chapter, see “ACST Chapter Assignments” and find your
chapter in the listed (listed in state order).
If you are contacted by an ACST member or the National Office regarding chapter business, please respond as soon as
possible. Together, we’ll help make ANNA the best it can be!
Cindy Richards, ACST Board Liaison
ANNA National Office
Hours
[email protected]
Alice Luehr, ACST Leader
[email protected]
Monday – Friday
8:30 am – 5:00 pm (Eastern Time)
ACST Group 01 - Carol Pope
[email protected]
Mailing Address
East Holly Avenue, Box 56
Pitman, NJ 08071
ACST Group 02 – Lisa Balk
[email protected]
Toll Free: 888-600-ANNA (2662)
Phone: 856-256-2320
Fax: 856-589-7463
Email: ANNA @ ajj.com
Website: www.annanurse.org
ACST Group 03 - Maria Gonzalez
[email protected]
ACST Group 04 - Marianne Neumann
[email protected]
ACST Group 05 – Nancy Smith
Director of Membership Services
Lou Ann Leary
[email protected]
[email protected]
ACST Group 06 – Rhonda Duggan
Manager, Chapter Services
Janet Betts
[email protected]
Education Services Coordinator
Kim Vener-Johnson [email protected]
Membership Services Coordinator
Casey Pladus
[email protected]
[email protected]
ACST Group 07 – Sara Kennedy
[email protected]
ACST Group 08 – Alice Luehr
[email protected]
ACST Group 09 – Trish Carter
[email protected]
ACST Spotlight ~ January 2014
Page 9 of 9