Maine ENA Newsletter Archive

President's Corner

Sandie Weagle, RN, CEN

Connecticut hosted the 29th New England Regional Symposium, at the Mohegan Sun, in April. What a great time we had! The CT committee had gathered a group of outstanding speakers who kept us entertained as they taught us, in an amazing and beautiful setting.

Who knew Neurology could be so hysterically funny as when presented by Cynthia Bautista, PHD, RN, CCRN, from Yale-New Haven Hospital? She does an imitation of a seizure that could teach much to our "pseudo seizure" patients!

Evaluation of comatose patients is much more methodical, with the tips she shared. Barb Bancroft RN, MSN, PNP, from Chicago, made us laugh so wildly about (of all things...) Nutrition, that we all boosted our immune systems and had endorphin levels off the charts! Her book, The ABC's of Diet and Disease, has historical and humorous notes, alternative therapies, recipes, and ideas on painlessly improving one's diet.

Seriously though, folks: Michael Frakes, BSN, CFRN, CCRN, EMT-P, from Hartford, gave a great review of drugs used in Rapid Sequence Intubation. This topic was especially timely now that the Maine State Board of Nursing has recognized that it is within the scope of practice for RNs in Maine to administer these agents when participating in Pharmacologically Assisted Intubation.

Other sessions included Date Rape Drugs, Trauma Radiology, Violently Psychotic Patients, Capnography, and other topics, timely and relevant to our daily practice. The Connecticut NERS planning committee allowed ample time for visiting the casinos, shopping in the multitude of salons, and dining in the wide variety of restaurants. They hosted a wonderful 2 1/2 days, and gave us the opportunity to network with our colleagues from around New England.

It is always amazing to hear that we all struggle with the same practice dilemmas. Our patients benefit when we share solutions and suggestions for change and improvement. The conference left us refreshed and eager for next year's symposium in Vermont, from May 5-9, 2004.

Maine ENA will have an opportunity to welcome New England's Emergency Nurses to our great state in the spring of 2005. Planning is already beginning and we need your help. You can work with us on the Program, Hospitality, or Vendor committees. There is a multitude of tasks and surely there is one for you. Contact me, or any board member for details.

REMEMBER: The world is run by those who show up. (Norm Dinnerman)

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Test

Carol Minnis, RN

Maine ENA Annual Meeting & Education Day

September 5th, 2003
Harraseeket Inn: Freeport, Maine

Speakers:

• Tania Strout, RN, “Moving to Evidence Based Practice in ED Triage”
• Diana Crowell, RN, PhD, “Self Reflective Leadership: Creating a Field of Health Caring; and Steve Diaz, MD on RSI

Maine ENA Fall Meeting & Education Day

November 14th, 2003
Mayo Regional Hospital: Dover Foxcroft, Maine

Speakers:

• To be announced

Maine ENA Winter Meeting and Education Day

Inland Hospital: Waterville, Maine

Speakers:

• To be announced

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President's Corner

Sandie Weagle, RN, CEN

Waldo County Hospital, Belfast

Connecticut hosted the 29th New England Regional Symposium, at the Mohegan Sun, in April. What a great time we had! The CT committee had gathered a group of outstanding speakers who kept us entertained as they taught us, in an amazing and beautiful setting.

Who knew Neurology could be so hysterically funny as when presented by Cynthia Bautista, PHD, RN, CCRN, from Yale-New Haven Hospital? She does an imitation of a seizure that could teach much to our "pseudo seizure" patients!

Evaluation of comatose patients is much more methodical, with the tips she shared. Barb Bancroft RN, MSN, PNP, from Chicago, made us laugh so wildly about (of all things...) Nutrition, that we all boosted our immune systems and had endorphin levels off the charts! Her book, The ABC\'s of Diet and Disease, has historical and humorous notes, alternative therapies, recipes, and ideas on painlessly improving one\'s diet.

Seriously though, folks: Michael Frakes, BSN, CFRN, CCRN, EMT-P, from Hartford, gave a great review of drugs used in Rapid Sequence Intubation. This topic was especially timely now that the Maine State Board of Nursing has recognized that it is within the scope of practice for RNs in Maine to administer these agents when participating in Pharmacologically Assisted Intubation.

Other sessions included Date Rape Drugs, Trauma Radiology, Violently Psychotic Patients, Capnography, and other topics, timely and relevant to our daily practice. The Connecticut NERS planning committee allowed ample time for visiting the casinos, shopping in the multitude of salons, and dining in the wide variety of restaurants. They hosted a wonderful 2 1/2 days, and gave us the opportunity to network with our colleagues from around New England.

It is always amazing to hear that we all struggle with the same practice dilemmas. Our patients benefit when we share solutions and suggestions for change and improvement. The conference left us refreshed and eager for next year\'s symposium in Vermont, from May 5-9, 2004.

Maine ENA will have an opportunity to welcome New England\'s Emergency Nurses to our great state in the spring of 2005. Planning is already beginning and we need your help. You can work with us on the Program, Hospitality, or Vendor committees. There is a multitude of tasks and surely there is one for you. Contact me, or any board member for details.

REMEMBER: The world is run by those who show up. (Norm Dinnerman)

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Education Committee Report

Carol Minnis, RN

Maine General Medical Center, Waterville

Maine ENA Annual Meeting & Education Day

September 5th, 2003
Harraseeket Inn: Freeport, Maine

Speakers:

• Tania Strout, RN, “Moving to Evidence Based Practice in ED Triage”
• Diana Crowell, RN, PhD, “Self Reflective Leadership: Creating a Field of Health Caring; and Steve Diaz, MD on RSI

Maine ENA Fall Meeting & Education Day

November 14th, 2003
Mayo Regional Hospital: Dover Foxcroft, Maine

Speakers:

• To be announced

Maine ENA Winter Meeting and Education Day

Inland Hospital: Waterville, Maine

Speakers:

• To be announced

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SEXUAL ASSAULT FORENSIC EXAMINER TRAINING

Sponsored by the SAFE Program of the Office of the Attorney General
October 19 – 23, 2003
Waterville, Maine

Maine ENA Winter Meeting and Education Day

Inland Hospital - Waterville, Maine

Target Audience:

Registered Nurses who plan to function in the role of a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE); Physicians, Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants who currently care for this patient population; Sexual Assault Response Team members

A SANE is a Registered Nurse who has been specially trained to provide comprehensive care for the sexual assault patient, who demonstrates competency in conducting a forensic exam, and has the ability to be an expert witness.

Sexual Assault Nurse / Forensic Examiner Program

Program Overview:

The Sexual Assault Nurse/Forensic Examiner (SAFE) Program began in response to the need for timely and accurate collection of forensic evidence to prosecute sexual assault crimes.

The Program provides training and technical assistance for healthcare providers, primarily Registered Nurses, in the care of patients who have suffered sexual assault, and in the use of the Maine sex crimes kit for collection of evidence.

This national model utilizes an interdisciplinary, community-based approach for the dignified and compassionate care and treatment of sexual assault survivors.

What is a Forensic Examiner?

A Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner is (primarily) a Registered Nurse (SANE) who has been specially trained to provide comprehensive care for the sexual assault patient, who demonstrates competency in conducting a forensic exam, and has the ability to be an expert witness.

Community Based Response

The Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner (SAFE) Program is an essential component of the Sexual Assault Response Team (SART). Each county-based team includes local law enforcement, the District Attorney’s office, sexual assault center advocates, and local SANEs. Each team has a coordinator who is an employee of one of ten sexual assault centers in Maine.

Members of the SART team share the common goal of creating a seamless, community-based response to the needs of sexual assault survivors. As more is learned about the prevalence of sexual assault/abuse and the related low reporting rate, there is increased responsibility to improve the systems charged with responding to these crimes, and to provide a uniform, integrated, informed response to sexual assault. The key systems are healthcare providers, law enforcement, sexual assault centers and prosecutors. Each SANE is an integral component of the SART responding to this need.

Benefits of the SAFE Program

Health care providers are often the first responders for survivors of sexual assault. Because of the time needed to assess and treat injuries and collect forensic evidence, it is cost- effective to have a cadre of SANEs on call to provide this care. By ensuring that trained nurses are available to perform the medical-legal exam the waiting period to receive care is minimized, trauma from the assault is reduced, the needs of the victim are attended to, and evidence is collected in a manner that meets state standards and promotes successful prosecution.

Training Requirements

Training requirements for SANE certification are rigorous. Completion of the training requires commitment and time, taking up to a year to complete. The first step is completion of 40 hours of didactic content followed by an additional set of clinical components developed using educational guidelines established by the International Association of Forensic Nurses (IAFN) and practice to gain proficiency in performing the sexual assault forensic exam. The requirements are consistent with standards created by the IAFN and adopted by the American Nurses Association.

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Attention TNCC Instructors!

Maine ENA is seeking a Chairperson for the Trauma Committee for 2004. The chairperson must be a current TNCC Instructor. Maine ENA will support the chairperson in becoming an Instructor Trainer (Faculty). This position requires coordination of TNCC courses with the instructors in our state. The chairperson is the liaison between our state and the national Association, in matters related to TNCC.

As Chair of the Trauma committee, attendance at 4 Maine ENA board meetings annually, is expected. This position could be shared by 2 co-chairs, who could both be supported in attaining Instructor Trainer status.

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ENPC Courses

Central Maine Medical Center, Lewiston

• October 9 & 10

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TNCC Courses

Central Maine Medical Center, Lewiston

• September 10 & 17

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Board Member Biography

Donna Blaney-Brouse, RN, MS, CEN

2003 Board Member-at-Large

"My nursing career has included practice in 9 states, in critical care, post-anesthesia, med-surg, outpatient, and emergency settings. I have been a staff and charge nurse, clinical educator, trauma coordinator, clinical nursing instructor, and Clinical Nurse Specialist. I am an ENPC provider, and TNCC and CATN instructor.

Currently, I work as an Emergency staff nurse at York Hospital in southwestern Maine, where my husband and I have lived for 2 ½ years. I have tried to be an active member of ENA wherever I have lived, and find the networking opportunities alone to be worth the effort of attending meetings.

Being on the state Board this year has been enlightening, and a validation of the energy and concern that my colleagues feel for sharing information and resources within our specialty. Maine, a large state with a predominantly rural character, faces challenges that more populous states do not; being part of my professional association helps me feel part of a united and valuable team."

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Welcome to New Maine ENA Members!

January through April. 2003

• Beth Agren
• Kyrn Bulger
• Elaine Colfer
• Rosemary Covey
• Heather Gagnon
• Marilyn Hughes
• Anne Kempton
• Diana King
• Mary Ann Lord
• Barbara Manoli
• Brian Martin
• Freya Matheson
• Margaret McRae
• Stephanie Memel
• Melissa Naborowsky
• Evelyn Norton
• Susan Papineau
• Margaret Porter
• Barbara Senko
• Louise Wakefield
• Maggie Smith Watkins

Latest membership total: 216

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Emergency Departments Employment Opportunities

MaineGeneral Health

We are currently searching for experienced RNs to become part of the ED team at Maine General Medical Center in Augusta and Waterville.

• State of Maine RN license required
• 3 to 5 years of ED clinical experience required but willing to train exceptional candidate.

Call and learn more about the opportunities Maine General Health has to offer.

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Maine Emergency Nurses Association Annual Awards

Maine ENA would like to acknowledge those Maine Nurses who have contributed in a special way to Emergency Nursing in the state of Maine, the United States, Maine ENA or National ENA.

President’s Award

For outstanding contribution to the Maine Emergency Nurses Association and / or the National Emergency Nurses Association.

Emergency Nursing Educator Award

For significant contribution(s) to education and / or training that enhances the ability of emergency care providers to serve their customers.

Emergency Nursing Provider Award

For exemplary contribution(s) to and / or manifestation of the art and science of nursing in the provision of emergency nursing care.

Emergency Nursing Leadership Award

For meritorious service above expectations in such activities as planning, development or management of systems, processes or departments that yield enhanced environments for the provision of emergency care.

Special Merit Citation

For exemplary long-term service, special advocacy of or contribution to emergency care and / or innovations that improve emergency nursing in the State of Maine.

Note: Award nominees do not necessarily have to be employed in an emergency department but must be involved with emergency nursing and / or EMS. Award nominees need not be ENA / MENA members.

Only those categories for which you wish to nominate an individual need accompanying comments. It is not necessary to name a nominee in each category to submit a nomination.

To submit a nomination:

• Identify the appropriate category
• Submit a written explanation for your submission
• Include your name, address, and how we can get in touch with you

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MENA Nurse Practice Committee Survey Results: Care

30 of 36 surveys returned (83%)

1. Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners on staff?
   • Y=14 (47%)
     Number of SANE on staff:
     • 8 (57%)=1 SANE
     • 3 (21%) =2 SANE
     • 1 (7%)=3 SANE
     • 1 (7%)=4 SANE
     • 1 (7%)=10 SANE
   • N=16 (53%)
2. If no, do you have plans for SANE training?
   • Y=5
   • N=25
3. Do you have culposcopy in your ED?
   • Y=1 (3%)
   • N =29 (97%)
4. If no culposcopy, are Sexual assault cases seen in another area where this is available?
   • Y=3 (10%)
   • N = 27 (90%)
5. Are your SANE nurses trained to this level?
   • Y=8 (57%)
   • “In training” = 1 (7%)
   • N=5(36%)
6. If no SANE, do your ED nurses collect the evidence up to the point of the pelvic examination?
   • Y = 12 (75%)
   • Sometimes = 2 (12.5%)
   • N = 2 (12.5%) “Sometimes OB/GYN”
7. If no SANE, how was staff trained for evidence collection?

   (Many hospitals used a variety of training, resulting in In Hospital in-service 12 (75%) > 100% statistics)

   • Training by Maine State Crime Lab 8 (50%)
   • Out of Hospital training 3 (19%)
   • In-service by SANE nurse 5(31%)
8. If SANE on staff, how is call covered?
   • 1 SANE on call when available = 10 (71%)
   • 2 or 3 SANE rotate call = 2 (14%)
   • More than 3 SANE rotate calls = 1(7%)
   • No call coverage = 1 (7%)
9. Who responds to pediatric sexual assault?

   (Note: Multiple persons respond in some facilities, resulting in data totals Greater than 100%)

   • Pediatrician =13 (43%)
   • Family Practice Doc = 8 (27%)
   • SANE = 4 (13%)
   • Refer to specialist (e.g. Dr. Ricci) = 13(43%)
   • ED provider = 2 (7%)
10. Do you have a Sexual Assault Response Team (SART)?
    • Y=12 (40%)
    • N=18 (60%)
11. If yes, which of the following disciplines are represented:
    • Rape Crisis Worker = 12 (100%)
    • Social Services = 4 (33%)
    • Nursing =12 (100%)
    • Physician = 4 (33%)
    • Law Enforcement = 8 (67%)
    • Clergy = 0 AWAP = 4 (33%)
    • DA office = 2 (17%)
    • Victim Advocate = 1 (8%)

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Maine ENA Newsletter Info

Donna Zimmerman, RN, CEN

Midcoast Hospital, Brunswick

Maine ENA and I would appreciate any input to our newsletter. This would include:

• Nursing Stories
• Clinical Narratives, “The Work of Nursing”
• What’s going on at your hospital?
• Awards
• Tips and Solutions

Advertisement Rates

• 1/4 page: $15.00
• 1/2 page: $30.00
• full page: $60.00

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