American Academy of Ambulatory Care Nursing - Many settings. Multiple roles. One unifying specialty.

Advertising

greg@ajj — Mon, 09 Sep 2024 13:33:17 +0000

Advertising greg@ajj Mon, 09/09/2024 - 09:33

Journal of Ambulatory Care Nursing

The Journal of Ambulatory Care Nursing, AAACN’s official journal, is a scholarly, peer-reviewed journal dedicated to advancing evidence-based ambulatory care nursing practice, clinical research, and professional development. The publication is distributed digitally to all members and external subscribers (approx. 4,400) four times a year.

Rates/Specs:

Full page ad - inside front cover: $3,500 (size 8 1/8” 10 7/8”).
Full page ad: $3,000 (size 8 1/8” 10 7/8”).
Half page ad: $2,000. (vertical 3 3/8” 10 7/8”; horizontal 8 1/8” 4 7/8”)

Issue	Commitment Due	Ad Material Due (high resolution pdf)
1st Quarter	2/1/2025	2/15/2025
2nd Quarter	5/1/2025	5/15/2025
3rd Quarter	8/1/2025	8/15/2025
4th Quarter	11/1/2025	11/15/2025

ViewPoint

ViewPoint is an additional AAACN publication that focuses on ambulatory care nursing best practices, issues, and trends, and is used to disseminate AAACN News. The publication is distributed digitally to all members (approx. 4,300) four times a year.

Rates/Specs:

Full page ad - inside front cover: $2,500 (size 8 1/2” 11”).
Full page ad: $2,000 (size 8 1/2” 11”).
Half page ad: $1,000 (vertical 3 9/16” 10”; horizontal 7 1/2” 5”).

Issue	Commitment Due	Ad Material Due (high resolution pdf)
Issue I	12/5/2024	1/3/2025
Issue II	3/5/2025	4/1/2025
Issue III	6/5/2025	7/1/2025
Issue IV	9/5/2025	10/1/2025

Footer Only

AAACN — Tue, 30 Jul 2024 05:13:52 +0000

Footer Only AAACN Tue, 07/30/2024 - 01:13

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AAACN — Tue, 30 Jul 2024 05:13:17 +0000

Header Only AAACN Tue, 07/30/2024 - 01:13

Federal Nursing

greg@ajj — Mon, 08 Jul 2024 14:44:21 +0000

Federal Nursing greg@ajj Mon, 07/08/2024 - 10:44

Whether you work in Public Health Service, Indian Health Services, Veteran Affairs, Defense Health Agency, or other federally funded agencies and health centers, the Federal Nursing SIG is your professional home.

About

Our SIG is a dynamic community dedicated to empowering and nurturing the leaders in ambulatory care nursing. We bring together nurses, educators, and professionals who aspire to drive positive change in the healthcare landscape.

This new SIG combines the previously established Veteran Affairs and Tri-Service Military SIGs, encompassing the needs and enhancing the networking opportunities for federal nursing.

Whether you work in Public Health Service, Indian Health Services, Veteran Affairs, Defense Health Agency, or other federally funded agencies and health centers, the Federal Nursing SIG is your professional home. Our goal is to create a supportive community where you can connect with peers who share similar experiences, challenges, strategies and goals.

Leadership

Co-Chairs
Monica Scott, Maj, USAF, NC
Patrick Turpin, MSN CNS

Advisory Committee Members
Dr. Sheika Adams
Ms. Renee Amial, BSN RN AMB-BC
Evelin Baez-Andrade, MSN-Ed RN CCCTM
Eleanor Chapital, MSN, RN, AMB-BC
Jennifer Felsing, RN
Andrea Kossoudji, MBA MS RN AMB-BC
Ebony Mulero
Monica Scott, Maj, USAF, NC
Patrick Turpin, MSN CNS
LCDR Keith West, BSN RN AMB-BC MBA

Board Liaison
Andrea Petrovanie-Green, MSN, NC, RN, USN, AMB-BC, CAPT(Ret)

Join the Federal Nursing SIG

To visit the Connected Community and/or join SIGs:

Visit the Community.
Log in as a AAACN member.
On the All Communities page, you will see all SIGs are you already part of, and options to join any SIGs you are not currently part of.
Click on your SIG(s) Communities to visit, or click "Join Community" on the right side of the page, select your email digest preference, and you're set!

Members of AAACN may join as many SIGs as desired. Join the conversation today!

If you have any difficulty getting into the community, please contact AAACN for assistance.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) Scholarship

greg@ajj — Tue, 25 Jun 2024 14:42:47 +0000

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) Scholarship greg@ajj Tue, 06/25/2024 - 10:42

The Inclusion and Belonging Committee established the DEIB Scholarship to promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in ambulatory care nursing, healthcare, and the AAACN organization.

The DEIB Scholarship was created to increase diversity within AAACN, financially support underrepresented groups in AAACN (including funding for hotel, travel, and registration), promote cultural competence, inclusivity, and belonging within AAACN, and to encourage learning from diverse perspectives within conference.

This scholarship will be maintained by members of the Inclusion and Belonging Committee, who will review applications and determine the recipients.

This scholarship will provide one recipient annually with a complimentary AAACN conference registration (full conference only; will not include Pre-Conference or Post-Conference sessions), as well as reimbursement up to $2,500 for travel and hotel expenses.

Scholarship Eligibility Criteria

Practicing nurses from underrepresented groups (as defined by race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran).
Pre-licensure students are eligible for this scholarship. If you are a pre-licensed student, you will be asked to write a statement about what draws you to ambulatory care nursing.
Applicant must demonstrate financial need.
Provide evidence of commitment to DEIB in nursing.
Willingness to give back (potentially join the Inclusion and Belonging Committee, write an article for a AAACN publication, participate in social media statements, provide a brief video for social media sharing a bit about how the experience has enriched and inspired them, etc.).
Must be a member of AAACN at the time of application submission (OR be willing to join if selected for this scholarship).

Apply Now

Playground

greg@ajj — Thu, 06 Jun 2024 20:37:05 +0000

Playground greg@ajj Thu, 06/06/2024 - 16:37

Save the Date: Celebrate 50 Years of Excellence at the AAACN Annual Conference May 20 -24, 2025

Join us at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina as we unleash the power of ambulatory care nursing and shape care where life happens.

We've created pricing to allow more flexibility with your schedules and contact hour needs.
Special Early Bird Member Pricing of $615, One Day Rates starting at $305.

Explore Six comprehensive education tracks:

Care Coordination and Transition Management (CCTM)
Clinical
Education
Leadership
Research
Telehealth

Embark on a journey of discovery and knowledge with engaging networking sessions and an unmissable opening session. Reconnect with colleagues and forge new connections as we celebrate 50 years of innovation and excellence.

AAACN would like to invite you to become an Exhibitor at our Annual Conference. The American Academy of Ambulatory Care Nursing is a welcoming, unifying community for Registered Nurses in all Ambulatory Care settings and is the only Specialty Nursing Association that focuses on excellence in ambulatory care.AAACN would like to invite you to become an Exhibitor at our Annual Conference. The American Academy of Ambulatory Care Nursing is a welcoming, unifying community for Registered Nurses in all Ambulatory Care settings and is the only Specialty Nursing Association that focuses on excellence in ambulatory care.

41% of attendees identify as an Administrator, Director, Manager or Supervisory
70% of attendees are certified in ambulatory care

Top clinical care areas include: Primary Care, Ambulatory/Surgery, Family Practice, Telehealth

For more information contact Donna Olthoff
donna.olthoff@ajj.com

Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina
1380 Harbor Island Dr, San Diego, CA

AAACN will obtain special rates for the Sheraton, with a nightly price of approximately $269 plus taxes and fees. More information will be shared as it becomes available.

NOTE: AAACN does not use a housing agency. No one from AAACN or the conference hotel will call or email you to make a hotel reservation; ignore any communications you may receive from outside agencies.

Airport/Transportation
San Diego International Airport is located less than one mile from the Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina. There is a shuttle service from the airport to the resort.

Weather
Typical temperatures in San Diego in May will be between 69 °F and 72°F with lows in the 60’s. Pack a sweater, light jacket, or wear layers in the session rooms. We also suggest that you bring comfortable walking shoes for your conference activities.

Employer Request Form

"From strangers to friends for life!"
—Cindy Phan MSN RN

Tri-Service Military AAACN Annual Conference Scholarship

greg@ajj — Thu, 06 Jun 2024 19:51:14 +0000

Tri-Service Military AAACN Annual Conference Scholarship greg@ajj Thu, 06/06/2024 - 15:51

Tri-Service Military AAACN Annual Conference Scholarship

Scholarship Eligibility Criteria

All applicants are required to be active duty at the time of the application submission.

The Tri-Service Military Special Interest Group will grant up to 11 active-duty individuals a one-time scholarship of up to $1,000 each. This scholarship is to be used for expenses related to attending the AAACN 2025 Annual Conference in San Diego, CA, from May 20-24, 2025.

Deadline to apply is Monday, August 26, 2024.

Apply Now

Workplace Safety and Workforce Well-Being

greg@ajj — Tue, 21 May 2024 16:39:35 +0000

Workplace Safety and Workforce Well-Being greg@ajj Tue, 05/21/2024 - 12:39

The Workplace Safety and Workforce Well-being SIG is driven by a commitment to fostering stronger connections and support among AAACN members.

Join the Workplace Safety & Workforce Well-Being SIG

About

Workplace violence in healthcare, including threats, harm, and abuse, per the Joint Commission (2021), not only affects organizational metrics like absenteeism and turnover but also undermines nurses' well-being and engagement (ANA, 2015). Emphasizing safe environments, AAACN (2023) advocates for secure healthcare settings. The Workplace Safety and Workforce Well-being SIG facilitates dialogue and resources, ensuring this issue remains central in nursing.

History

In 2023, AAACN's Workplace Safety Task Force issued a Position Statement on Workplace Violence, Incivility, and Bullying in Ambulatory Care and hosted a Workplace Safety Town Hall at the AAACN Annual Conference. In 2024, they launched the Workplace Safety Toolkit and contributed to the Nursing Sensitive Indicator Report. To meet the increasing demand for Workplace Safety information and address a growing focus on Workforce Well-being, the Task Force evolved into the Workplace Safety and Workforce Well-being Special Interest Group (SIG) to better engage with AAACN members.

Leadership

Co-Chairs
Dawn Fletcher, DNP NEA-BC RN
Elizabeth Sparks, MSN RN CNML

Board Liaison
Andrea Petrovanie-Green, RN MSN AMB-BC

Advisory Committee Members
Sean Austin, MSN RN CEN EMT
Michelle Fernamberg, DNP, MHA, RN, CENP
Kelsey Loehr, RN
Jennifer McMullen, MSN RN AGCNS-BC AMB-BC CV-BC
John Murphy, DNP RN
Leslie Pihlstrom, RN
Catima Potter, MPH

Join the Workplace Safety & Workforce Well-Being SIG

To visit the Connected Community and/or join SIGs:

Visit the Community.
Log in as a AAACN member.
On the All Communities page, you will see all SIGs are you already part of, and options to join any SIGs you are not currently part of.
Click on your SIG(s) Communities to visit, or click "Join Community" on the right side of the page, select your email digest preference, and you're set!

Members of AAACN may join as many SIGs as desired. Join the conversation today!

If you have any difficulty getting into the community, please contact AAACN for assistance.

Resources

Workplace Safety

greg@ajj — Mon, 20 May 2024 22:42:58 +0000

Workplace Safety greg@ajj Mon, 05/20/2024 - 18:42

AAACN is committed to creating workplaces that are free from violence, incivility, bullying, discrimination, and harassment to end workplace abuse and promote healthy work environments.

In today's healthcare environment, nurses are increasingly exposed to situations of aggression, harassment, and disrespect, posing significant risks to their well-being and professional practice. Recognizing the critical importance of addressing these issues, AAACN is committed to empowering nurses with the knowledge and tools needed to educate themselves and protect their safety.

Explore our resources to learn more about strategies for prevention and intervention as we work together to create safer and more respectful workplaces for all ambulatory care nurses.

Position Statement on Workplace Violence, Incivility, and Bullying in Ambulatory Care
This position statement describes the vast impact of workplace violence on ambulatory care nurses and the critical role nurses must play in advocating for its prevention and lays out the basic tools and actions needed in preventing an event, during and after an event, and in influencing a culture of safety within an organization.

Read the Position Statement

Workplace Safety Toolkit
The Workplace Safety Task Force recently published the free Workplace Safety Toolkit on AAACN’s website. This comprehensive resource is a centralized hub designed to empower nurses and staff across ambulatory care settings with essential information and strategies for workplace violence prevention and response.

This toolkit equips nurses with knowledge and interventions to enhance workplace safety. From improving safety perceptions to implementing proactive and reactive measures, this resource is vital for all ambulatory care nurses.

Access the Toolkit

Workplace Safety Toolkit

greg@ajj — Mon, 20 May 2024 15:10:57 +0000

Workplace Safety Toolkit greg@ajj Mon, 05/20/2024 - 11:10

AAACN’s Workplace Safety Task Force has recognized a significant need for enhanced tools and resources tailored to individuals working in outpatient settings, particularly concerning the issue of workplace violence. This Toolkit represents a comprehensive assembly of original, collaborative, and evidence-based materials, with a primary objective of fostering a culture of safety. It encompasses strategies for prevention, response, and support, serving as a practical manual for organizations of varying sizes to effectively address workplace violence through staff training, template development, and the provision of area-specific resources.

While workplace violence is commonly perceived as deliberate physical assault, it encompasses a spectrum of behaviors, including threats, sexual harassment, discriminatory language, and gestures. These incidents can occur across various mediums, such as in-person interactions, over the phone, via social media, or through video communication, with the interpretation of such events being deeply influenced by individual experiences.

AAACN is steadfast in its commitment to supporting ambulatory nurses in environments that prioritize both physical and psychological safety, thereby promoting overall well-being, security, and job satisfaction (AAACN, 2023). Recognizing the detrimental impact of workplace violence, incivility, and bullying on patient care quality and safety, AAACN advocates for a zero-tolerance approach. Nurses are urged to actively advocate for safe care environments, not only for themselves but also for their patients. Consequently, AAACN endeavors to equip ambulatory nurses with the necessary tools and interdisciplinary resources to uphold safety standards across all care settings.

Central to its mission, AAACN is dedicated to cultivating workplaces that are devoid of workplace violence, incivility, bullying, discrimination, and harassment. By championing this cause, the organization aims to eradicate workplace abuse and foster healthy work environments (AAACN, 2023).

The materials included in this toolkit are merely examples of materials developed and/or used by contributing health systems. These materials are made available for background informational purposes only. They are not instructions, templates, or guides for any other facility. Each facility must use its own independent judgement and experience when developing documentation/policies/procedures for its own use based on the facility’s particular circumstances, priorities, risk tolerances, and any other relevant factors.

These materials are made available on an “as-is” basis, without representation or warranty of any kind whatsoever, whether express or implied. Any use of such materials is solely at the risk of the user. By accessing or using these materials, the user acknowledges and agrees that the provider of the materials shall have no, and hereby disclaims, any responsibility or liability arising from, or related to, such access or use.

Preparation Before an Event

Define workplace violence as an organization, and recognize all types, including face-to-face, verbal, cyber, and telephone.
Use signage to share stance on workplace violence in your facility
Create a Code of Conduct policy as a way to communicate the organization’s expectations to the patient and family.
- Use Code of Conduct to create plan to share policy with patients in advance of a visit via a message or phone call.
Educate staff on workplace violence.
- (This link provides access to a free cloud-based education module by the Northwest Area Health Education Center. You will be navigating away from the AAACN website.)
Empower nurses to handle events independently.
- Badge Buddy Example
  - Create organizational-approved scripting.
Offer an overview of trauma-Informed care.
- Create awareness of how trauma-informed care impacts both patients and staff.
Complete a security risk assessment of the care environment.
Provide police and security training to educate staff on deescalating an event.

Before a Subsequent Event

Develop a safety action plan.
- Resources:
  - WPVP Safety Action Plan Leader Guide
  - WPVP Safety Action Plan Template
Implement a system for flagging patient medical records that present with safety concerns.
- Resources:
  - MGB Safety Flag Policy
  - Safety Flag Charter
Develop a code for violent behaviors (e.g. “Dr. Strong”).
Implement a behavioral agreement with the patient.
- Resources:
- Consider pre-visit consultation with healthcare resources for patients with autism, SUDS (substance abuse), psychosis, and dementia.

Additional Considerations for Telephone and Cyber Incivility

Many staff feel like it is their job to “take it” when it comes to telephone verbal violence or cyber incivility.

Educate staff that this is not acceptable behavior.
Provide resources for staff to set appropriate boundaries with patients while engaging in communication over the phone/patient portal.

Response During an Event

Utilize de-escalation techniques.
Educate on possible responses to WPV events.
- Resources:
- Request immediate police and security intervention.
- Familiarize staff with possible de-escalation scripting:
  - 57 Phrases to De-escalate Any Angry Customer
  - Stay calm and keep a level tone of voice.
- Work through your service recovery model to determine patient’s needs and provide opportunity to rectify patient’s complaints.
- Validate patient’s feelings and set boundaries when needed.
- Encourage and allow staff to put their safety first.

During a Subsequent Event

Request police and security standby during the visit.
Initiate behavior agreement due to multiple events.
Request police and security escort to staff member’s car.

Additional Considerations for Telephone and Cyber Incivility

Develop scripting for staff to refer to during heightened telephone conversations.
- Build phrases in your charting system.
  - This guides employees on how to handle difficult situations if they forget what they’ve been taught due to emotional nature of the situation
  - Systemwide scripting needs to be vetted through Risk, Legal, Patient Experience, Behavioral Health, and upper leadership.
Use limit setting/de-escalation phrases and terminating phrases if escalation continues.
When using a terminating call or discontinuing a message, instruct the patient to call 911 for a medical or psychiatric emergency.

Phone

Allow staff to terminate call if boundaries are not respected.

Patient Portal

Encourage and allow staff to step away from the message before responding.
Re-read the sender’s message to ensure proper interpretation.
Use patient portal-specific phrases.
Discontinuation options:
- Determine if your charting system has the capability to stop a sender from replying further to an uncivil thread.
- Suspend patient portal communication for specific period of time.

Resources for Supporting Staff After an Event

Huddle post-event
Leadership to follow up with staff member to offer support.
Connect the employee with an employee assistance program or other support systems you have in place.
Participate in clinic-based de-briefs if needed.
- Resources:
  - Debriefing
  - Debriefing Example
Schedule proactive response teams for upcoming visit.
Escalate threats to police and security.
Enact behavior agreement if appropriate.
Use safety reporting system to report all workplace violence, including telephone and cyber incivility.
Add a safety flag to the patient’s electronic medical record.
Develop peer support related to workplace violence.
Debrief with an external facilitator.
Allow time for employee to decompress.
Follow-up communication to the patient’s referring provider, if applicable.

Resources for Supporting Staff After a Subsequent Event

Re-evaluation of plans (Safety Action Plan, Behavioral Agreement, etc)
Update safety flag to the patient’s electronic medical record
If behavior continues, communicate to patient that they will not be allowed to schedule appointments.
Consider discharge or termination from practice depending on behavior, reasoning, and access to similar care
Create a review committee
- Safety Flag reviews
- Potential discharge reviews

Additional Considerations for Telephone and Cyber Incivility

These events may occur more often than face-to-face violence.
Give self-care suggestions staff can use like breathing techniques, chair yoga, listening to inspirational music, and stepping away and taking a break.

References

American Academy of Ambulatory Care Nursing [AAACN]. (2023). Scope and standards of practice for professional ambulatory care nursing(10th edition). AAACN.
American Nurses Association. (2019). Workplace violence in nursing: Dangerous and underreported. Link
American Nurses Association. (2015). American Nurses Association position statement on incivility, bullying, and workplace violence. ANA.
Crisis Prevention Institute [CPI]. (2023). Top 10 de-escalation tips. Link
Myra Golden Seminars. (2023). 57 phrases to de-escalate any angry customer. MyraGolden.com. Link
The Joint Commission [TJC]. (2023). Information on Joint Commission standards. Link
Mass General Brigham. (2023). Application and review of patient safety risk flags. Mass General Brigham.
Mass General Brigham. (2023). Charter: Safety flag committee. Mass General Brigham.
Mass General Brigham. (2023). SAFER model algorithm. Mass General Brigham.
Novant Health. (2022). Violence toward team members, patients, or visitors is not allowed. Novant Health.
University of Rochester Medical Center. (2021). Ambulatory services code of conduct policy. University of Rochester Medical Center.
University of Rochester Medical Center. (2021). Code of conduct policy. University of Rochester Medical Center.
University of Rochester Medical Center. (2023). Management of disruptive patient guidelines. University of Rochester Medical Center.
University of Rochester Medical Center. (2022). Management of violent acts or threats of violence policy. University of Rochester Medical Center.
University of Rochester Medical Center. (2023). MyChart message policy. University of Rochester Medical Center.
University of Rochester Medical Center. (2022). Termination of services policy. University of Rochester Medical Center.
University of Rochester Medical Center. (2022). The I CARE commitment. University of Rochester Medical Center.
University of Rochester Medical Center. (2023). Working together for better health and safety. University of Rochester Medical Center.
Vanderbilt University Medical Center. (2023). Badge buddies. Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
Vanderbilt University Medical Center. (2023). Clinic specific safety action plan. Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
Vanderbilt University Medical Center. (2023). Clinic specific safety action plan: Leader guide. Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

Contributors

The AAACN Board of Directors formed the Workplace Safety Task Force to develop resources to educate members on the topic of ambulatory care workplace safety and violence prevention methods. The efforts of this group are greatly appreciated.